Postdoctoral Research Assistant

About the Role
A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to work with Dr Alex de Mendoza. The post-holder will be funded by the ERC Starting Grant on a project entitled “Deciphering the Evolution and Roles of cytosine DNA methylation across eukaryotes”.

About You
The ideal candidate for the position should have a PhD (or close to completion) in molecular and/or evolutionary biology, with significant experience in epigenetics general molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics. A track record of high-quality published research would be an advantage. Previous experience in DNA methylation and Nanopore sequencing is desirable. Self-motivation, ability to work as part of a team and excellent research management and presentation skills are essential.

About the Project
This research position will work on a project aimed at understanding the role of DNA methylation in various unicellular eukaryotic species. These species hold key phylogenetic positions aimed at maximizing our taxon sampling, allowing ancestral reconstruction of DNA methylation patterns and roles across the tree of life of eukaryotes. Beyond descriptive charting of methylation patterns, a combination of drugs and functional genomics approaches will be used to rigorously test the roles of DNA methylation in protist species. Additionally, in vitro methods will be used to understand the role of their DNA methylation “readers”. The findings from the project will address long-standing questions in epigenetics research. The post holder will join a multidisciplinary, inclusive team with frequent meetings, and high-quality mentoring. "

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work-life balance and family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities, including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

The post is based at the Mile End Campus in London. It is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 1 year, with an expected start date of October 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.