Hours per week 37 Project Title Computational Modelling of Epigenetic Dynamics Expected/Ideal Start Date 01 Oct 2025 Months Duration 36
Job DescriptionMain Purpose of the Job
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the group of Prof Martin Howard in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
The main purpose of the position is to develop computational models of epigenetic dynamics in the Polycomb system, collaborating with the experimental group of Prof Rob Klose (Oxford).
Key Relationships
Other members of the Howard group, other groups within Computational and Systems Biology at JIC, and other external experimental groups, particularly that of Prof. Rob Klose in the Dept of Biochemistry, Oxford University.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
PercentageIdentify, plan, carry out and modify modelling to meet the objectives of the project 50 Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media 20 Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings 10 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 5 Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence 5 Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities 5 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees 5
Person ProfileEducation & Qualifications
Requirement Importance PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) in Theoretical Physics/Bio-Mathematics/Computational Biology Essential BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific field Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance Ability to apply techniques from theoretical physics/applied mathematics to biological problems Essential Strong interest in biological problems Essential Computer programming experience (e.g. use of computational tools such as MatLab) Desirable
Requirement Importance Demonstrable scientific success, with track-record of publications and presentations Essential Prior experience in biological modelling Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance Self-motivated, creative and intellectually independent Essential Good verbal and written communication skills, facilitating interaction with experimentalists Essential Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance Available to travel to international meetings and for short visits to collaborating laboratories Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or .
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Computational and Systems Biology
The Department of Computational and Systems Biology conducts world-leading research across a broad range of the biological sciences, with a special focus on spatial problems in plant and microbial research. Particular strengths of the department include mathematical and statistical modelling of the physical mechanisms underlying biological pattern formation, transport dynamics, epigenetic processes, size control, biomechanics and gene network dynamics. In addition, the department has strong bioinformatics that underpins the research of the institute through training, software development and statistical analysis. While much of the research is carried out in close collaboration with world-leading experimental groups within the John Innes Centre, we also have strong international collaborations with experimentalists and theoreticians worldwide.
The Howard group combines simple, predictive mathematical and biophysical modelling with long-lasting experimental collaborations to dissect biological mechanisms too complex to unravel by experiments alone. In many cases we are able to rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms, with few components and interactions.
Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies heavily on the techniques of statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. This truly interdisciplinary approach allows us to get to the heart of biological mechanisms more speedily. At present there are two main foci in the group: probing how epigenetic memory states are set up and then stably maintained, and understanding patterning dynamics in sub-cellular biological systems.
For epigenetics, we work on both histone modification memory systems, including the Polycomb system, as well as on DNA methylation. For patterning, the main application at present is to the dynamics of crossover positioning in meiosis. The group collaborates with a wide range of experimentalists in systems ranging from plants to mammalian stem cells.
Currently there are three Postdoctoral Researchers in the group.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Salary: £36,720 - £39,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 36 months, full-time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 2 August 2025
Reference: 1004880
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Howard Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Computational and Systems Biology.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision,Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet ,sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.
About the Howard Group:
The Howard group combines simple, predictive mathematical and biophysical modelling with long-lasting experimental collaborations to dissect biological mechanisms too complex to unravel by experiments alone. In many cases we are able to rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms, with few components and interactions.
Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies heavily on the techniques of statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. At present there are two main research areas in the group: probing how epigenetic memory states are set up and then stably maintained, and understanding patterning dynamics in sub-cellular biological systems. For epigenetics, we work on both histone modification memory systems, particularly the Polycomb silencing system, as well as on DNA methylation. For patterning, the main application at present is to the dynamics of crossover positioning in meiosis.
The group regularly publishes in the most prominent multidisciplinary journals, with recent papers in Nature, Science, Cell Systems, eLife, Molecular Cell and PNAS. Several previous members of the Howard group now hold independent faculty positions of their own, including in Warwick, Glasgow, Sydney, Amsterdam and Munich.
The role:
The main purpose of the position is to develop predictive computational models of epigenetic dynamics, collaborating particularly with the experimental group of Prof Rob Klose in the Dept of Biochemistry, Oxford University. The models will enhance our understanding of how the Polycomb system silences gene expression and how such a silenced memory state can be stably maintained through many cell cycles. Theposition is funded by Wellcome and would suit an individual with a high degree of independence and vision, able to advance the project independently. The successful candidate will have a rare opportunity to work on fundamental biological processes in a truly interdisciplinary environment, with seamless collaboration with a leading experimental group.
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate will possess (or soon complete) a PhD in Theoretical Physics, Bio-Mathematics or Computational Biology. They will possess a strong interest in biological problems and have achieved demonstrable scientific success in previous roles. Prior experience of biological modelling is desirable but not essential.
Additional information:
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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