[ref. n6994518] Researcher – Graduate, Postdoctoral Assistant or Postdoctoral Fellow - Exeter
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit either a Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate, or Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in a Wellcome funded collaborative project spanning the University of Exeter, University of Cambridge, and the University of Helsinki.The project studies our recent discovery of human-specific gene regulation in pancreatic beta-cell development. This post is available from December 1st, 2024 on a fixed term basis until 31st March 2027
The successful applicant will analyse genome sequencing data from individuals with neonatal diabetes to identify novel genetic causes of the disease. They will also analyse publicly available datasets and pancreatic differentiation single-cell genomics data to understand the mechanisms underlying the genetic defects.This post builds on our discovery that primate specific KRAB Zinc Finger transcription factor ZNF808 is necessary for human pancreas development (Nature Genetics, 2023; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01565-x).
The post will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Elisa De Franco at the University of Exeter. The position provides an opportunity to lead on the development of novel approaches to identify genetic causes of rare disease.
About you
We welcome applications from across career stages, at graduate research assistant level for those without a PhD (at Grade E), or at research assistant level for those with or nearing completion of a PhD (at higher Grade E spine point), or at research fellow level for those more senior (at Grade F).
A successful graduate research assistant will be trained in the relevant data analysis techniques and will have the potential to undertake a PhD while in post. The successful research associate applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.The successful research fellow applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
We encourage applications from quantitative disciplines outside of biology, who wish to apply their expertise to biological problems. Applicants will have strong data and coding skills.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.
What we can offer you
Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research; Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and developmentOur Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.More than 99 per cent of our research is of international quality and 47 per cent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world.We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
For further information please contact Dr Elisa De Franco, e-mail E.De-Franco@exeter.ac.uk.
The closing date for completed applications is October 31st. Interviews are expected to take place on the week starting on November 11th.