Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Researchers to join the group of Prof Martin Howard in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the John Innes Centre based in Norwich, UK.
Background:
The Howard group constructs theoretical models of biological systems at the subcellular scale. Our approach is to construct simple models that can nevertheless make surprising and counter-intuitive predictions to be tested experimentally. The group's approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies extensively on techniques from statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. The group regularly publishes in the most prominent multidisciplinary journals, with recent papers in Science, Cell Systems, eLife and PNAS. Several previous members of the Howard group now hold independent faculty positions of their own, including in Amsterdam, Singapore and Munich.
The roles:
The aim of the first project is to use mathematical modelling to understand mechanisms of epigenetic memory switching and maintenance, focused particularly on the Polycomb epigenetic system. This work will give fundamental insights into cell fate dynamics. The second position focuses on understanding the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in regulating transcriptional dynamics. This project will also examine links between phase separation and conventional transcriptional and epigenetic control. In both projects, approaches will include spatiotemporal stochastic modelling, as well as analytic calculations. To help develop the models, state of the art, single cell experimental data will be available from our experimental collaborators (Mark Leake, Physics, University of York and Caroline Dean, John Innes Centre). Both projects will give the successful candidates an opportunity to work on fundamental biological processes in a truly interdisciplinary environment, with seamless collaboration with experimentalists.
The ideal candidates:
The ideal candidates will possess a PhD in Theoretical Physics, Bio-Mathematics or Computational Biology. They will possess a strong interest in biological problems and have achieved demonstrable scientific success in previous roles. Prior experience of biological modelling is desirable but not essential.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,625 to £38,575 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Both posts are full time and for a period of 3 years. These posts are funded by the BBSRC and by the UKRI Physics of Life Strategic Priority Fund.
Interviews will be held on 6 November 2019.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our web site
http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or
[email protected] quoting reference 1003781.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. The John Innes Centre is also proud to hold a Gold Award from Athena SWAN and is a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The closing date for applications will be 14 October 2019.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
