Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job Description:Grade UE07 (£39,347-£46,974 per annum)College of Science and Engineering / School of Biological SciencesInstitute of Ecology and EvolutionFull time: 35 hours per weekFixed term: 16 monthsWe are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to work in evolutionary genetics of recombination rate variation in wild populations.The Opportunity:A postdoctoral research position is available in the lab of Dr Susan Johnston (Institute of Ecology & Evolution) on evolutionary genomics of recombination rate variation in wild birds and mammals. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoc to work with genomic data to characterise variation in population- and individual-level recombination landscapes wild long-term wild studies.The project is part of a Royal Society-funded project on genetic basis and evolution of recombination variation. Meiotic recombination (i.e. chromosomal “crossovers”) is beneficial as it promotes proper chromosome segregation and creates new combinations of alleles upon which selection can act. However, it has the cost of increasing mutations and can break up previously beneficial allele combinations. Despite these trade-offs, relatively little is known about how and why the rate of recombination varies, particularly between the sexes (known as heterochiasmy) or between individuals, populations and species. Our group aims to better understand the causes and consequences of recombination rate variation in wild and domesticated populations.This project will use genomic data in long-term pedigreed mammal and bird studies to investigate the causes, consequences, and correlates on variation in recombination landscapes, with a specific focus on sex differences. The PDRA will take advantage of an established analytical pipelines for estimating crossover positions within pedigrees and will investigate cross-sex variation in recombination landscapes. In addition, the PDRA will use whole-genome sequence data from unrelated individuals to investigate fine-scale recombination landscapes at the population level. The project includes funds for genotyping/sequencing, training, computing and attending international conferences. There is scope to tailor the project to the skills and interests of the PDRA, and to develop independent lines of research.Applicants should have a strong background in genetics and a PhD in a relevant subject area (population and/or quantitative genetics, evolutionary biology, and/or working with recombination data). Experience working with genomic data and bioinformatics skills are essential, as is a strong track record of independent and creative thinking.Informal enquiries are welcome to Susan.Johnston@ed.ac.ukYour skills and attributes for success:

• Experience in coding/bioinformatics (R, Python, Bash or other).
• A strong background in population, quantitative and/or evolutionary genetics and genomics.
• Ability to work well with others and co-ordinate data collection from collaborators.
• Excellent organisational and reproducible research skills.
• The ability to work independently and take initiative.

Click to view a copy of the full (opens new browser tab)As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.Championing equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active ‘BioDocSoc’ organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.Our contains more information about the School.

Expected salary

£39347 – 46974 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:02:02 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.