Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Epigenetics)

Starting salary is £37,364 per annum to £44,641 per annum (depending on experience) 

We are seeking a motivated and talented scientist to explore fundamental questions at the intersection of metabolism and epigenetics. 

This project will investigate the role of nuclear-specific metabolism in cellular adaptation to nutrient availability in ageing. It builds on previous and ongoing work in the Trefely lab, which has identified distinct nuclear metabolic responses to specific nutrients, focussing on acyl-CoenzymeA thioesters, which are precursors for novel histone acylation marks (PMID: 34856123, 32199817). 

This project will advance our understanding of novel histone modifications and their roles in nutrient-responsive gene regulation. Using cell and mouse models of liver and adipose tissue, we will examine acute metabolic and epigenetic responses to nutrient availability.

The study will integrate:

• Metabolomic and isotope tracing analyses,
• Histone modification profiling (in collaboration with the proteomics facility),
• Biochemical assays to explore the dynamic interactions between metabolites and epigenetic marks,
• Gene expression analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, qPCR),
• Epigenomic approaches (e.g., CUT&Tag) to uncover how these modifications influence genome regulation and cell function.

This position is part of the Babraham Institute Epigenetics ISPG core programme, and benefits from a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

We are seeking a motivated and talented scientist with:

• A PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field,
• Strong interest or experience in metabolic research, particularly in cell culture and nutritional mouse models,
• Experience in biochemical and molecular biology techniques (e.g. Western blotting, subcellular fractionation, immunoprecipitation, PCR),
• (Desirable) Prior experience with metabolomics, especially LC-HRMS,
• (Desirable) Experience with large-scale data analysis (e.g., metabolomics, sequencing, or proteomics),
• Strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail.

Training in specialised metabolic techniques will be provided, and the role offers an exceptional opportunity to develop expertise at the interface of metabolism and epigenetics.

This is a limited term appointment with funding for this post expected to be available until 31^st April 2028 in first instance.

Informal inquiries should be made to Sophie Trefely (Sophie.Trefely@babraham.ac.uk). 

For more information on the work of the groups, please visit:

https://www.babraham.ac.uk/our-research/epigenetics/sophie-trefely 

Closing date for applications is Sunday, 20^th July 2025.

However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received.

For further details about this position or to apply online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Further information about the Institute can also be found on our website (www.babraham.ac.uk). 

The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society. 

NO AGENCIES PLEASE 

The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute’s ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people. 

The Babraham Institute abides by the principles of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people. 

The Babraham Institute receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

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