Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Science (ICMS), London, UK

Description: Applications are invited for a Research Councils UK (RCUK) Academic Fellowship. These prestigious fellowships provide an attractive and stable path into academia by offering the appointee a permanent academic position following the end of the award (subject to the successful completion of a probationary period). The position will be based within Dr Vardhman Rakyan's group at the ICMS, London, UK. Dr Rakyan's lab focuses on how environmental (e.g. diet, age) and stochastic factors influence the epigenome, and consequently complex phenotypes and diseases. All projects integrate molecular genetics and epigenetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, model organisms and human cohorts.

Initially, the appointee will be expected to lead a BBSRC-funded project that will use a systems-biology approach to identify and study epialleles in mouse models and human cohorts. Epialleles are loci at which the epigenetic state (e.g. DNA methylation) varies as a result of genetic or environmental influences [Rakyan VK & Beck S (2006) Curr Opin Genet Dev]. There is increasing evidence that epialleles have important functional consequences for phenotypic outcomes. The project will involve the generation of large-scale datasets, predominantly ultra high-throughput sequencing-based epigenomic and transcriptomic profiles, which will then be integrated with extensive genetic, phenotypic, and epidemiologic data. The candidate will also be encouraged to be involved in other projects within the lab, and develop their own ideas and collaborations.

The ICMS, part of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, provides a dynamic and supportive environment for basic and translational research including access to world-class functional genomics technologies. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), Barts and The London was ranked as one of the UK's top four medical schools for the quality of research (based on 4* and 3* outputs).

Qualifications: Applicants should have a PhD, background in epigenetics and a strong publication record (at least 1 first-author research article). Experience in functional genomics is desirable but not essential. Bioinformatics expertise is NOT required.

Salary Details: This is a full-time fixed term post available until September 2012, with a salary at the appropriate point for experience on the Research scale (£30,079-£35,355 per annum inclusive of London Allowance).

Application Details: For an application form and further information, please visit the Human Resources website ( click here ), or request details (quoting the reference number 09073/CA) via email (click here). Applicants wishing to make a non-electronic application may contact our 24 hour recruitment line on 020 7882 6109 for details.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Vardhman Rakyan, Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine (Using the contact link below).

The deadline for return of completed applications is 12 noon (BST) on 6th March 2009.

Applications (quoting the reference number 09073/CA) should be returned via email to [email protected] or alternatively by post to:

Whitechapel Recruitment,
Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry,
c/o SMD Management Offices,
The Lodge House,
Charterhouse Square,
London
EC1M 6BQ.

Interviews are likely to be held in late-March 2009.

Please note: Completed applications must not be sent directly to the Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine or to Dr Rakyan.

Where applicants are short listed for interview, references will normally be taken up prior to interview. Applicants who do not wish any referees to be contacted should make this explicitly clear on their application.

We are unfortunately unable to reply to those applicants who have not been short listed and invited for interview. However, we would like to thank all candidates for their applications and for their interest in working for the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1999.

Valuing Diversity and Committed to Equality

Closing Date: 2009-03-13