Postdoctoral research fellow in comparative regulatory genomics

Our lab is focused on tracing back the origin of new genes and new regulatory mechanisms to understand the regulatory and genomic bases of organismal novelty. We use a combination of comparative genomics and regulatory profiling techniques. We are interested in developing phylogenetic comparative methods coping with new classes of functional genomics datasets describing chromatin state and cellular resolution gene expression.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in investigating the genomic underpinnings of the emergence of novel body plans. Our main research model is echinoderms who possess a unique pentaradial body symmetry secondarily acquired among bilaterian animals. To understand how this took place, the role holder will use a combination of experimental and computational approaches to characterise the regulatory events that underline gene expression and patterning during larval metamorphosis.

The post is funded for 3 years by a BBSRC grant. Relevant experience in at least one of the following domains is essential  (i) good molecular biology level and experience with functional genomics and regulatory profiling techniques, (HiC, HiChip, ATAC-seq) (ii) experience with echinoderm or other non-model system embryology, microinjection and cis-regulatory analysis (iii) experience with computational and comparative genomics and/or functional genomics data analysis and visualisation (R, python, julia).

We are also seeking an independent thinking individual with good scientific communication skills and experience writing papers who will play an essential role in establishing a new research lab and supervising undergraduate or graduate student in a dynamic research environment.

Please apply through the UCL job listing: https://bit.ly/3hyLNto and do not hesitate to contact me for any question.