Postdoctoral Research Associate in Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Job Description

The RoleApplications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Evolutionary Developmental Biology with a particular emphasis on the genetic basis of differences in organ size Drosophila. The research project is led by Professor Alistair McGregor and willinvestigate the genetic and developmental changes underlying differences in organ size among Drosophila species.The successful applicant will have the necessary experience and skills to contribute to the research project by applying Drosophila genetics, molecular biology, microscopy and bioinformatics to identify and test candidate genes and regulatory elements underlyingdifferences in organ size among species.Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
• To carry out experiments using Drosophila genetics, molecular biology, microscopy and bioinformatics to achieve the objectives of the project.

This post is fixed term initially for 18 months due to the funding being available from 01/03/22 for this fixed period onlyThe post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contributeto the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 01/03/22 .How to ApplyFor informal enquiries please contact Professor Alistair McGregor. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seekan employment reference.Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University.What to SubmitAll applicants are asked to submit:

• A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above.

Next StepsThe assessment for the post will include a presentation and interview.The RequirementsEssential:

1. Qualifications

• A good first degree in the field of biology.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in evolutionary developmental biology or a related subject.

1. Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Research experience in Drosophila genetics, molecular biology, microscopy and bioinformatics.

1. Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable:

1. Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
• Experience in confocal microscopy and analysis of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data sets.
• Experience in working with different Drosophila species.

Keyskills :
BioinformaticsMicroscopyMolecular BiologyResearch ProjectResearch Projects