Research Associate

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated research associate in the field of plant genomics and transcriptomics. You will be joining group of Dr James Clark in the Milner Centre for Evolution, which focusses on the genomic and evolutionary origins of plant traits. Our project, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, Bristol and the John Innes Centre, has identified a novel non-coding locus related to stomatal function and plant water use efficiency. Through comparative and evolutionary genomics, phylogenomics and single-cell transcriptomics, we are aiming to understand the origin and function of this locus in the model plant Arabidopsis and the related crop species Brassica oleracea. Within this team, you will:

• Conduct evolutionary analyses to determine the origin of the locus within flowering plants.
• Analyse bulk and single-nucleus transcriptomic data to direct molecular and physiological studies of the locus' function.
• Through transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses, predict the genes which interact with the locus and the means of the interaction.

This research will provide insights into the origin and mechanism of a novel, non-coding locus and more broadly into the function of non-coding genetic elements. You will be working closely with all members of the team, who will be carrying out complementary molecular and physiological assays. You will join a centre dedicated to the development of evolutionary research, within a broad and diverse Department of Life Sciences. You will be encouraged to partake in national and international conferences, as well as contribute to the research culture within the University.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. 

About you

• Be highly expert in performing evolutionary and bioinformatic analyses
• Have experience in the handling and analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data
• Be capable of conducting independent research projects, from analysis to publication
• Be proficient working in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment
• Have an interest in plant genomics, molecular biology and physiology

Further information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected start date of 01/06/2026 for an expected period of 24 months.

For an informal discussion, please contact James Clark, at jc493@bath.ac.uk

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

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