Research Fellow (FTC)

Location: University Park

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow post on a Medical Research Council funded project in the laboratory of Dr Rachel Clifford (Biodiscovery Institute) www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/people/r.clifford, within the Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine.

In this collaborative project involving the Universities of Nottingham, British Columbia and Cardiff, we aim to define and understand the functional role of DNA cytosine modification in the development of different pathologies present within the lungs of individuals with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

We will use nanopore long-read DNA methylation sequencing of extensively radiologically defined sections of distinct IPF lung pathologies to generate cytosine modification-specific genome-wide profiling of DNA, providing a true picture of DNA methylation complexity in IPF. Integration with spatial gene expression will provide an indication of the distinct functional relevance of DNA cytosine modifications, while detailed in vitro studies, utilising DNA cytosine modification manipulation and assessments of subsequent cellular function responses, will provide functional characterisation and identification of pathology specific biological targets for treatment options. Finally, we will integrate our engine exhaust exposure models as an exemplar IPF driver to understand mechanisms generating DNA cytosine modification dysfunction in IPF, and potential targets for therapeutic interference in IPF development.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD in bioinformatics/computational biology/molecular biology/genomics or related area. The successful candidate will have considerable experience in computational bioinformatic analysis (R, Python or equivalent) of omics data and multi-omics, ideally specifically Nanopore long read DNA sequencing and DNA methylation profiling. A background in respiratory epigenomics is desirable as is a track record of publishing research.

We offer a friendly and diverse working environment, generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year. We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

This role is available from 1st October 2025  or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a full time, FTC position until 30/09/2028. If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

For informal enquiries please contact Rachel Clifford (r.clifford@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

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