Bioinformatician/Postdoctoral Research Associate

The post

The Faculty Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Bioinformatician/Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Nikolas Nikolaou. This externally (BBSRC) funded post is available immediately on a fixed-term basis for two years in the first instance, with a possibility of extension.

The successful applicant will perform laboratory-based research and bioinformatic analysis to elucidate the extra-nuclear function of SNRNP70, a major spliceosome protein, in modulating the axonal transcriptome and regulating neuronal connectivity. Candidates with prior experience in RNA biology and/or neuroscience are encouraged to apply but candidates with relevant experience from other disciplines can also apply.

The post will include molecular biology and methods to study protein-RNA interactions at single nucleotide resolution such as RNA iCLIP techniques. A significant component of the work will require experience of bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic datasets to elucidate the RNA interactome of the extra-nuclear pool of SNRNP70. 

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals, reports and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study (e.g., Biology or Biochemistry) and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to work to agreed timelines and milestones and maintain excellent written records and excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate activities with the other team members directly involved in this project.

Applicants will have essential knowledge and significant bioinformatics expertise in analysing genomic and transcriptomic sequencing datasets in vertebrate or mammalian systems. Basic experience in molecular biology techniques e.g., PCR, qPCR, western blotting is preferrable. The successful applicant will work with Dr Nikolas Nikolaou and his team at the Living Systems Institute (University of Exeter), in close collaboration with the research group of Shobbir Hussain at the University of Bath, with the possibility of visiting their lab for a short period of time to learn new methodologies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Nikolas Nikolaou, e-mail (n.nikolaou@exeter.ac.uk), telephone (01392 727573), or visit the group’s website (https://lsi.exeter.ac.uk/groups/nikolaou-group/).

The closing date for completed applications is Monday 14^th of July. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 28^th of July.

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