Postdoctoral Research Assistant

About the Role
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work with Dr Chema Martin on a Leverhulme Trust project entitled “Heads or tails? The evolution of trunk growth heterochronies in animal larvae”.

This research position will reveal the mechanisms that drive the evolution of animal larvae and shifts in modes of development. We will compare the development of two annelid worms and combine single-cell transcriptomics with classic embryological approaches and state-of-the-art computational methods. The findings from the project will address a long-standing question in animal EvoDevo, providing mechanistic insights into how animal life cycles diversify and the principles that allow temporal changes in the development of homologous structures.

The post holder will join a multidisciplinary, diverse, inclusive team with frequent meetings, interactions, and high-quality mentoring.

About You
You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in developmental and/or evolutionary biology, with significant experience in embryological methods, general molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics. A track record of high-quality published research would be an advantage. Previous experience in single-cell RNA-seq is desirable. Self-motivation, the ability to work as part of a team, excellent research management, and presentation skills are essential.

About the School
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has a strong research output and demanding educational standards for its students. Still, all members benefit from high academic and social integration. We are committed to equality of opportunity and hold a Silver Athena SWAN Award.

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 part-time/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.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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