BACKGROUND

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist to join Prof Chris Ponting’s computational genomics research group. You will take up a new post, funded by the BBSRC, to predict protein-coding and non-coding functional sequence, within diverse metazoan genomes, using the neutral indel model (Lunter et al., PLoS Comp Biol 2:e5).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Together we will tackle 3 of the 125 Big Questions in Science, identified by Science magazine on 1 July 2005: “Why are some genomes really big and others quite compact?”, “What is all that ‘junk’ doing in our genomes?”, and “How do limbs, fins, and faces develop and evolve?” You should have a background in bioinformatics and/or computational genomics.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience of applying evolutionary models would be an advantage, although training will be given.


The holder of the 3 year fixed term fellowship will benefit from the MRC Post Doctoral Development Programme and will be expected to attend appropriate training courses.

LOCALE

The MRC Unit is embedded within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford, and is a world-renowned centre for comparative genomics and research into neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. We offer excellent computational and laboratory facilities in the recently-opened Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function. Additional information about the Unit can be found at http://www.mrcfgu.ox.ac.uk, whilst informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Chris Ponting at chris.ponting[at]dpag.ox.ac.uk.

COMPENSATION

Starting salary will be up to £28,065 pa. Additional benefits include 30 days annual leave and an excellent pension scheme.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for this role must be made online at http://jobs.mrc.ac.uk. If you do not have internet access or experience technical difficulties, please call 01793 301156, quoting reference number FGU08/068.

DEADLINE

3 March 2008.