Graduate or Postdoctoral Research Assistant

The Faculty wishes to recruit either a Graduate Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate 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 immediately on a fixed term basis until 31/03/2027, based at the University’s premises at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The successful applicant will join Prof Elisa De Franco’s team at the University of Exeter. They will generate and analyse genomic data in patients’ samples and cellular models to define the role of genes causing neonatal diabetes through disrupted beta cell function and development. 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).

About you

We welcome applications from across career stages, at graduate research assistant level for those without a PhD (at Grade E spine point 25), or at postdoctoral research associate level for those with or nearing completion of a PhD (at Grade E spine point 26).

Please see the job descriptions for the differences between the roles.

The successful 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.

Applicants will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will have experience working with cellular models relevant to the study of diabetes.

Please ensure you read the Job Descriptions.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

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 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

Further information

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

The closing date for completed applications is 18/02/2025. Interviews are expected to take place on the week starting with March 3rd.

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