Researcher - Graduate, Postdoctoral Assistant or Postdoctoral Fellow

The Faculty wishes to recruit either a Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate, or Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in a Wellcome funded collaborative project spanning the University of Exeter, University of Cambridge, and the University of Helsinki. The project studies our recent discovery of human-specific gene regulation in pancreatic beta-cell development. This post is available from December 1^st, 2024 on a fixed term basis until 31^st March 2027

The successful applicant will analyse genome sequencing data from individuals with neonatal diabetes to identify novel genetic causes of the disease. They will also analyse publicly available datasets and pancreatic differentiation single-cell genomics data to understand the mechanisms underlying the genetic defects. This post builds on our discovery that primate specific KRAB Zinc Finger transcription factor ZNF808 is necessary for human pancreas development (Nature Genetics, 2023; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01565-x).

The post will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Elisa De Franco at the University of Exeter. The position provides an opportunity to lead on the development of novel approaches to identify genetic causes of rare disease.

About you

We welcome applications from across career stages, at graduate research assistant level for those without a PhD (at Grade E), or at research assistant level for those with or nearing completion of a PhD (at higher Grade E spine point), or at research fellow level for those more senior (at Grade F).

A successful graduate research assistant will be trained in the relevant data analysis techniques and will have the potential to undertake a PhD while in post. The successful research associate applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. The successful research fellow applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

We encourage applications from quantitative disciplines outside of biology, who wish to apply their expertise to biological problems. Applicants will have strong data and coding skills.

Please ensure you read the Job Description 

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 per cent of our research is of international quality and 47 per cent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

For further information please contact Dr Elisa De Franco, e-mail E.De-Franco@exeter.ac.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is October 31st.  Interviews are expected to take place on the week starting on November 11^th.

Advert information