Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Computer Simulations of Chromatin Phase Transitions (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

The starting date is flexible but it would ideally be around May 2025.

We are seeking two ambitious and talented postdoctoral research associates to join our team to develop new computational approaches to study chromatin phase transitions at sub-molecular resolution within the ERC-funded project ChromatinDroplets. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our goal of understanding the synergistic relationship between multi-component biomolecular condensates, chromatin structure, and gene regulation.

The successful candidate will join the research group led by Prof. Rosana Collepardo (collepardolab.org) based at the Departments of Chemistry and Genetics, University of Cambridge. The Collepardo group develops theoretical methods and multiscale computational models to investigate physical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the organization of biomolecules, including chromatin, inside cells (Joseph et al. Nat Comp Scie, 2021; Garaizar et al., PNAS, 2022; Farr et al., Nat Comms, 2021; Krainer/Welsh/Joseph, Nat Comms, 2021; Espinosa et al. PNAS 2020). Most of our projects are done in collaboration with experimentalists.

The project involves developing new multiscale models and simulation algorithms to investigate the molecular mechanisms that dictate the behaviour of chromatin inside multi-component condensates and how these are modulated by non-equilibrium phenomena in the nucleus.  The position allows considerable flexibility in research topics within this main theme.

Candidates should hold (or be about to obtain) a PhD/DPhil in Physics or Chemistry, or a closely related field, with a strong interest in biological systems. Experience in modelling and simulations of chromatin organization and/or biomolecular phase transitions, and extensive demonstrable experience with LAMMPS and/or OpenMM is essential, as is experience in developing or applying coarse-grained models, polymer models, and/or in developing and applying Molecular Dynamics and/or Monte Carlo simulations to biomolecular systems or condensed matter systems.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Informal enquiries can be addressed via email to Prof. Rosana Collepardo rc597@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference MA44833 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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