Research Associate (Molecular Regulation of Health Related Behaviours)

Behaviours such as excess ethanol intake and anxiety have a major impact on people's health across the life-course and understanding the genetic and environmental processes that control ethanol intake and anxiety is crucial to developing future preventative interventions and treatments. Context-dependant enhancers (also known as cell-type-specific enhancers) are gene regulatory sequences within the human genome which support the expression of genes essential to health in specific groups of cells and in response to specific cues. The importance of these enhancers to health, and their possible role in disease, has been highlighted by numerous genome wide association studies (GWAS) which demonstrate that >95% of complex disease can be attributed to polymorphisms within regulatory sequences.

This is an exciting 3 year full time opportunity for a motivated and talented Post-doctoral researcher to join Professor Murgatroyd's team and further collaborate with University of Aberdeen. We are looking to identify the molecular mechanisms regulating a context-dependent enhancer that regulate behaviours with an impact on human health and how different types of methylation affect the activity. Finally, we also aikm to understand how DNA-methylation of a context-dependant enhancer is affected by maternal diet in the womb to affect the behaviour of subsequent generations.

The Role:

We are seeking a motivated Post-doctoral Researcher to join a multi-institutional team under the leadership of Professor Murgatroyd. This project involves DNA and RNA sequencing using Nanopore and pyrosequencing together with bioinformatics.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable with liaising with collaborators academics and will be working in a laboratory setting with interest in learning new techniques and computational data analysis. Trainings will be provided by the PI and collaborators. Experience in molecular and cell biology, genetics and DNA sequencing is required. Knowledge of neuroscience, animal models and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms would be an advantage.

Essential skills

• Research experience in cell and molecular biology, as it pertains to brain and behaviour.
• Experience in sequencing techniques, especially next generation and Nanopore
• Demonstrated experience in relevant laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR.
• Ability to plan and manage own research project
• Proactive attitude and drive
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-institutional team
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Excellent analytical and statistical skills
• Experience in writing scientific manuscripts
• Experience presenting ideas and findings
• IT proficiency, including competency in MS office software and Endnote

Desirable skills

• Knowledge of neuroscience and behaviour and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms
• Experience and proficiency in statistical analysis and interest in bioinformatics or big data analysis
• Publication in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the field

The successful candidate will work within the Department of Life Sciences, which provides state of the art research facilities located newly refurbished laboratories. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is an exciting and dynamic environment in which to conduct cutting edge research.

Qualification we require:

Hold a PhD degree in genetics, biological science, molecular biology, or relevant area.  

To Apply:

Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and a clear statement that addresses how you meet essential and desirable criteria. 

For an informal discussion, please contact; Professor Chris Murgatroyd (c.murgatroyd@mmu.ac.uk).

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