About the Role

The Rakyan lab’s research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of mammalian Ribosomal DNA (rDNA), using cutting edge molecular biology tools and high-level computational approaches to investigate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the various facets of rDNA biology (). We believe that genetic variation within the Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) will impact molecular and phenotypic outcomes. To this end, we are conducting several large-scale integrative analyses of human whole-genome sequencing datasets. Specifically, we wish to use short- and long-read data for sequence, methylation, transcription to ask how genetic variation within human rDNA influences the development of diseases, including cancer, and understand the evolutionary history of rDNA variation.

About You

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant subject such as computational biology or bioinformatics, along with several years of postdoctoral experience in analysis of repetitive regions. Expert knowledge of R, Python, Java, Matlab, C, MySQL is essential, as is previous experience in GWAS analyses, whole genome sequencing analyses, epigenomic and transcriptomic computational analyses. Demonstrated evidence of experience in these skills will be required in the form of several first author papers in relevant areas. You will also be required to supervise other junior lab members and contribute to grant writing.

About the Institute

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 350 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre, and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we��ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.