Research Associate in Computational Biology (Plant Circadian Clock)
Posted by Kathy Grube, on 10 May 2022
Location: Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Closing Date: 15 May 2022
Applications are invited for a BBSRC funded Post-doctoral Research Associate position to work in the group of Dr James Locke at the Sainsbury Laboratory, in close collaboration with Professor Alex Webb of the Department of Plant Sciences, focused on the modelling of the circadian (24-hour) clock in plants.
The position involves developing the first model of the Wheat circadian clock. Wheat is a key crop and understanding the clock in wheat will have broad significance as the clock controls many key processes in plants. The candidate will analyse new RNA-seq clock data collected in Professor Webb’s group and use machine learning techniques to develop an optimised computational model of the core wheat clock network. In addition, the successful candidate will investigate the effects of temperature and noise in gene regulation on the wheat clock. The successful candidate will have experience of modelling gene regulatory networks and should have experience of ODE modelling. Candidates must have extensive modelling experience in computer languages such as Matlab, C++, Python or R., and have at least one publication in the field of computational biology or systems biology.
Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a related field such as systems biology, mathematics, or physics. Good communication skills are essential as the post holder will need to work well in a team and collaborate with wet-lab researchers. Candidates should also demonstrate a history of science communication (e.g. presentations, outreach activities, teaching).
Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level (Grade 5) and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon the award of PhD.
The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory and details of what the University offers to employees, can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.
Informal scientific enquiries should be directed to Dr Locke at: James.Locke@slcu.cam.ac.uk
The post is available immediately.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2.5 years in the first instance.
We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from a BME background for this vacancy.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PT30967 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information
Closing Date: 15 May 2022
Scientific fields: Computational and systems biology, Cell biology, Gene regulation, Plant development, Signalling
Model systems: Other plant
Duration: Fixed term
Minimum qualifications: Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a related field such as systems biology, mathematics, or physics.