Research Associate in understanding the role of heterogeneity in development

https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=10973

We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary team led by Prof. Chris Thompson.  This project aims to address the role and regulation of heterogeneity in development using Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system. Dictyosteliumpermits a uniquely powerful combination of approaches to be applied (e.g. imaging, informatics, genetics) and thus provides an opportunity and generate the first integrative ‘top to bottom’ understanding of how heterogeneity, stochastic differentiation and cell sorting result in robust developmental patterning.

You will address the fundamental biological questions regarding the role and regulation of heterogeneity in development you will use Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system. Dictyosteliumpermits a uniquely powerful combination of approaches to be applied.  Firstly, developmental patterning in Dictyostelium is based on ‘salt and pepper’ differentiation followed by sorting out, and therefore heterogeneity has been proposed to play a pivotal role.  Secondly, Dictyostelium is amenable to forward and reverse genetic manipulation, is easily and rapidly grown in the lab to biochemical scales, whilst its relatively small number of defined cell types can be tracked in vivo by live cell imaging during development. Dictyostelium therefore provides an opportunity and generate the first integrative ‘top to bottom’ understanding of how heterogeneity, stochastic differentiation and cell sorting result in robust developmental patterning.

You will use your extensive experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or live cell imaging techniques to determine the molecular basis and gene networks that regulate heterogeneity. These different approaches are highly complementary and your ability to integrate these approaches is crucial. Consequently, multidisciplinary training (especially in computational and wet lab skills) is essential. You should currently hold or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant field.

Although you will be based in Manchester, several short visits to collaborators will be required for data analysis and project development.

The post funded by the Wellcome Trust and is available for up to 3 years.

Successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process.

The School of Life Sciences is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The School received a Silver Award in 2009 for their commitment to the representation of women in the workplace and we particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.wils.ls.manchester.ac.uk/athenaswanawards/

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