MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2662

Overall purpose:

Research Programme

TheReprogramming and Chromatin group led by Prof Petra Hajkovainvestigates molecular processes that underlie global erasure of epigenetic information.As in vitro cellular reprogramming systems are notoriously inefficient and heterogeneous in outcome, we focus on the epigenetic reprogramming events that occur naturally in vivo during mouse development (in the mouse zygote and in the developing mouse germ cells) (). We have a particular interest in deciphering themechanisms underlying the waves of global DNA demethylation(Amouroux et al, 2016, Hill et al, Nature 2018; Huang et al, Nature 2021) and thechanges in chromatin structurethat accompanies this process.

Purpose of Post

The focus of this project is to investigate molecular mechanisms underpinning zygotic and germline DNA demethylation, the mechanistic links to DNA repair and the functional relationship to the progression through the germline cycle.

The ideal candidate will be expected to carry out research within the focus area of the Reprogramming and Chromatin Group; undertake project management and be involved in the supervision of PhD students in the laboratory. In addition, he/she will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

To take initiatives in the planning of research To direct the work of small research teams To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data To conduct data analysis To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings To write reports for submission to research sponsors To present findings to colleagues and at conferences To submit publications to refereed journals To provide guidance to staff and students To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the Institute To provide guidance to PhD Students Contribute to bids for research grants To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand To collaborate with other allied scientists within Institute and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required To comply with the Institute safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group

Working relationships:

The post-holder will report directly to the head of the group, Professor Petra Hajkova.

Additional information:

This post is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist to support post-doctoral training and help establish successful research scientists in their chosen field. During the fellowship tenure we are committed to provide mentorship for career development and improvement of communication skills.

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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application):

Essential:

PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in a biological or related discipline

Desirable:

UK Home Office personal licence (PIL) for work with rodents

Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application and at the interview):

Essential:

Proven experience in the field of epigenetics and chromatin Experience with isolation, manipulation and culture of mouse oocytes and early mouse preimplantation embryos Extensive experience with cell lines and mouse primary cell culture techniques Experience with culture of mouse pluripotent stem cells Knowledge of relevant biochemical and molecular biology research methods and statistical procedures Good written communication skills in English

Desirable:

Experience with derivation of mouse embryonic stem cells Experience with NGS approaches to investigate epigenome

Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

Essential:

Evidence of organisational ability Good verbal communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively with researchers ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level Ability to work both independently and as part of a team IT literate and familiar with basic methods for sequence and image analysis

Desirable:

A highly committed individual with proactive and flexible attitude to work The ability and willingness to learn new concepts and technologies rapidly The ability to work under pressure in the competitive field

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