Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Biology, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available for three years working with Professor Seb Shimeld on the regulation, function, and evolution of Hmx homeobox genes in vertebrate neural development. The main aims of the post are to (i) dissect the regulatory architecture controlling the expression of the linked Hmx3-Hmx2 gene pair, (ii) determine the downstream network of genes under Hmx control and its conservation and (iii) examine the deeper conservation of these in invertebrates. The post is funded by the BBSRC and its overall aim is to explain the unique and extreme conservation of Hmx genes in vertebrates and their nearest invertebrate relatives. It will involve a combination of laboratory experimental work and sequence data analysis across multiple species, including chicken as a model vertebrate and the sea squirt Ciona. The successful candidate will have an interest in the evolution of animal development and a track record including experience with developmental biology and/or gene function methodology.

You will be responsible for managing your own academic research and administrative activities, adapting existing and developing new scientific techniques and experimental protocols, and testing hypotheses and analysing scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate. You will contribute ideas for new research projects, develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed progress reports and research proposals to senior researchers. You will collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters as required. You will be using specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.

You will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil, as well as possessing specialist knowledge and experience with experimental and/or analytical approaches relevant to the project. You will have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities and previous experience of contributing to publications and/or presentations.

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

This post is full time (applications to work part-time are welcome).

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (GMT +1) on Friday 29 September 2023, interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-October 2023.
Contact Person : HR Vacancy ID : 167562
Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 29-Sep-2023 12:00
Pay Scale : STANDARD GRADE 7 Contact Email :
Salary (\xc2\xa3) : Grade 7.1 - 7.5: \xc2\xa336,024 - \xc2\xa340,521 per annum

University of Oxford