Main Purpose of the Job
We seek a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead mechanistic and multi-omics studies of obligate symbiosis, building directly on our recent work.
Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem, and in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology, and the research groups of Dr Aileen Berasategui (The Sainsbury Laboratory) and Dr Tatsuya Nobori (The Sainsbury Laboratory) you will investigate the developmental basis of symbiosis in beetles.
Key Relationships
Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem, and in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology, and the research groups of Dr. Aileen Berasategui (The Sainsbury Laboratory) and Dr. Tatsuya Nobori (The Sainsbury Laboratory) you will investigate the developmental basis of symbiosis in beetles.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Designing and conducting symbiont- and host-focused transcriptomic and genomic analyses, including tissue- and cell-type–specific approaches targeting symbiotic organs.
Applying functional genetic tools to manipulate symbiont or host pathways (e.g., RNAi, heterologous expression).
Reconstructing and testing symbiont-encoded metabolic pathways, linking gene content and expression to host physiology and performance.
Using confocal microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunostaining to localize symbionts, host tissues, and gene expression patterns.
Integrating evolutionary, ecological, and functional data to understand how symbiosis shapes host diet breadth, adaptation, and diversification.
Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements.
Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence.
Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities.
As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.
Education & Qualifications
Requirement
Importance
PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Genomics, Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Biology, or related discipline.
Essential
BSc or equivalent in evolutionary genomics, molecular biology, microbiology, entomology, chemical ecology, or a related discipline.
Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement
Importance
RNA-seq, comparative genomics, or pathway-level analyses, ideally in host–microbe systems.
Essential
Familiarity with confocal microscopy, FISH, and/or interest in spatial gene expression methods.
Essential
Relevant Experience
Requirement
Importance
Strong computational skills for biological data analysis (preferably R and/or Python).
Essential
Experience with or strong interest in functional genetic manipulation of insects (e.g., RNAi, CRISPR).
Essential
Preparing data / information for grant proposals.
Desirable
Demonstrated ability to develop independent, hypothesis-driven research at the interface of evolution and mechanism.
Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement
Importance
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity.
Essential
Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.
Essential
Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills.
Essential
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Essential
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Essential
Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures.
Essential
Promotes and strives for continuous improvement.
Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement
Importance
Attention to detail
Essential
Promotes equality and values diversity
Essential
Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.
Essential
Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.
Essential
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.
Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required.
Essential
Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars.
Essential