Postdoctoral Fellow - Symbiosis Genomics

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth?
Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity's greatest challenges.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work in the general area of symbiosis genomics, to carry out a programme of research based on reference quality genomes from the Tree of Life programme and other public data.
This PDF will be based in the Blaxter Group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for 3 years fixed term.
Symbiosis covers a spectrum of relationships, from temporary to lifelong, and from mutually beneficial - such as between coral and algae - to exploitative - between parasite and host.
These relationships are hugely important in biology and evolution and have arisen independently many times.
Yet little is known about the underlying genetics of these complex relationships between species, how symbiotic partners adapt to one another over time, how resilient these partnerships are, how they respond to disruption and how the interactions might be supported and engineered to build better agriculture and promote conservation.
What do the genomes of collaborating partners reveal of their evolving relationships?
Are the dynamics of genomic change predictable, and can these dynamics be used to in turn predict the likely mode of association between species where the relationship is unclear?
About the Role: You will work in the general area of symbiosis genomics, to carry out a programme of research based on reference quality genomes.
These data include cobionts serendipitously identified in Darwin Tree of Life genomic data, as well as symbiotic systems explicitly sequenced, for example as part of the Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics project.
The work will address the origins and impacts of symbiosis on genome structure, and better resolution of pattern and process in co-evolution between the varied partners found in association.
The scope of the work will include the evolution of collaboration between species in symbiotic (mutualist and parasitic) and other associations.
The position is part of the multi-site Leverhulme Research Centre for the Holobiont, where a diverse team of biologists from many disciplines are examining inter-species associations from evolutionary, metabolic/physiological and ecological standpoints.
The specific projects undertaken will be co-created by the bioinformatician in consultation with the group leader, other faculty and the wider programme, with an emphasis on large-scale analysis across diversity.
About Us: The Blaxter group in the Tree of Life programme works on a range of taxa, from protists to metazoa, with overarching goals of linking genomic diversity to phylogenetic diversity, and understanding the drivers of and constraints on genomic change.
The group is intensely collaborative, with shared questions that we explore in different groups of species.
We develop toolkits for our work that we share openly with others, and provide data platforms to support dissemination of our work.
You will be embedded in this supportive and dynamic environment to produce significant work of wide impact.
About You: You should have a PhD in Biomedical science, statistical genetics, microbial genomics, computational biology or similar related discipline or equivalent working experience in bioinformatics.
You will have the ability to analyse and interpret data with strong quantitative/computational skills.
You will have relevant programming skills in modern languages including Python and R and experience with software development and good practice in coding.
Applicants should have excellent communication and organisational skills, and have the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
When you join us as a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will benefit from a unique and well-resourced learning environment that will equip you for your future career.
We are proud to produce and analyse genetic and cellular data on a scale unmatched by other institutes in Europe to advance biological and medical science.
Essential Scientific and Technical Skills: PhD in relevant subject area, or on track to be awarded your PhD within 6 months of starting the role Proven ability to deliver research projects A track record of demonstrating research excellence and expertise in your area of research Knowledge, skills and experience as appropriate to the research area including: Ability to analyse and interpret data with strong quantitative/computational skills Programming in relevant, modern languages, including Python and R; experience with software development and good practice in coding Excellent communication and organisation skills; Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively with a range of stakeholders Essential Competencies and Behavioural: Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing level, abilities and knowledge Foster an inclusive culture where all can thrive and diversity is celebrated Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment Ability to effectively communicate ideas and results and present orally to groups Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work independently Detail-orientated, strong organisational and problem-solving skills Other information Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you would meet the criteria set out above.
Salary: PDF £38,000 - £49,156 Role profile Closing Date: 26th January 2025 Recruitment Process: Zoom interviews w/c 3rd Feb, Face to face Interviews w/c 10th Feb Contract Type: 3 years external funding Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger: We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus.
The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams.
The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world.
We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness.
The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.
We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work.
That's why we're committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute.
We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits: We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme.
The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.
The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.