An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Howard Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Computational and Systems Biology.
About the Howard Group
The Howard group combines simple, predictive mathematical and biophysical modelling with long-lasting experimental collaborations to dissect biological mechanisms too complex to unravel by experiments alone. In many cases we are able to rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms, with few components and interactions.
Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies heavily on the techniques of statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. At present there are two main research areas in the group: probing how epigenetic memory states are set up and then stably maintained, and understanding patterning dynamics in sub-cellular biological systems. For epigenetics, we work on both histone modification memory systems, particularly the Polycomb silencing system, as well as on DNA methylation. For patterning, the main application at present is to the dynamics of crossover positioning in meiosis.
The group regularly publishes in the most prominent multidisciplinary journals, with recent papers in Nature, Science, Cell Systems, eLife, Molecular Cell and PNAS. Several previous members of the Howard group now hold independent faculty positions of their own, including in Warwick, Glasgow, Sydney, Amsterdam and Munich.
The role
The main purpose of the position is to develop predictive computational models of epigenetic dynamics, collaborating particularly with the experimental group of Prof Rob Klose in the Dept of Biochemistry, Oxford University. The models will enhance our understanding of how the Polycomb system silences gene expression and how such a silenced memory state can be stably maintained through many cell cycles. The position is funded by Wellcome and would suit an individual with a high degree of independence and vision, able to advance the project independently. The successful candidate will have a rare opportunity to work on fundamental biological processes in a truly interdisciplinary environment, with seamless collaboration with a leading experimental group.
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will possess (or soon complete) a PhD in Theoretical Physics, Bio-Mathematics or Computational Biology. They will possess a strong interest in biological problems and have achieved demonstrable scientific success in previous roles. Prior experience of biological modelling is desirable but not essential.