Download UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON THE UCL CANCER INSTITUTE

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
THE UCL CANCER INSTITUTE
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST:
Research Associate, Full-time
GRADE:
Grade 7, (£33,353 - £40,313 per annum)
RESPONSIBLE/ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Dr. Suzana Hadjur
The Genome Organization and Function Group headed by Dr. Suzana Hadjur is seeking
TWO full-time Research Associates to start immediately. The two positions are immediately
available and funded by the Wellcome Trust for 4 years. The appointee will be supervised by
Dr. Hadjur and will be integrated into the environment at UCL and into the European FP7
EpiGeneSys community, to which the group has membership.
Project Background:
Our view of the regulatory genome has changed dramatically in recent years. We have
expanded beyond classical models of gene control to appreciate that the spatial organization of
the genome and the manner in which genes and regulatory elements are embedded therein has
a critical role in facilitating the regulation of gene expression. How gene control can be dictated
by the three-dimensional (3D) organization of chromatin in nuclear space is only just beginning
to be addressed, however this exciting new research area is already transforming our
understanding of the mechanisms that regulate gene activity.
We use molecular methods (Hi-C, 4C-Seq, ChIP and 3D microscopy) and computational
analysis to investigate the 3D organisation of mammalian chromosomes and the influence of
this complex organization on biological processes such as gene regulation. Our work has
shown that the chromatin proteins, CTCF and cohesin are functionally important to anchor
chromatin loops both for the purpose of gene regulation (Hadjur S et al., Nature 2009; Parelho V
& Hadjur S et al., Cell 2008) as well as for global chromosome structure (Sofueva S et al. EMBO
J 2013). Recent work shows that the genome encodes chromosome structure at evolutionarily
conserved CTCF motifs in the genome (Vietri Rudan M. et al. Cell Reports 2015).
Candidate:
The ideal candidate should have a PhD with a genomics or epigenetics background, be
ambitious and self-motivated and possess significant prior experience in cell biology, chromatin
and molecular biology techniques. The post holder will be expected to prepare, analyse and
interpret multiple datasets simultaneously. The emphasis will be on high quality, reproducible
data using cutting 3C-based methods (HiC and 4C-Seq). The work will also involve
management of collaborations and development of new research directions. This post
represents an excellent opportunity for an intelligent, self-motivated and creative post-doctoral
scientist to work in the exciting field of genome organization and to take advantage of the
methods and tools currently available within the group and interpret it in novel waysThere are
strong interactions between wet-lab and dry-lab members in the group, thus the post-holder will
have the opportunity to develop their analysis skills as well.
More detailed information is available on request to [email protected]. If you are interested, I
encourage you to get in touch.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
1.
To work as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, developing good working
relationships within the team, and to establish and maintain excellent communication
links.
2.
To design and carry out laboratory projects under the supervision of the group leader.
To establish and actively learn new techniques as they become relevant for the project.
3.
To maintain appropriate laboratory notes, keeping accurate written and computerised
records and to ensure that these records are stored in a secure place. To maintain
confidentially of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the
Data Protection Act.
4.
To learn basic computing skills which allow the candidate to integrate their generated
data within existing tools e.g. UCSC.
5.
Provide training to lab members to increase awareness and knowledge of the
methodologies used for analysis.
6.
Keep up to date on current publications relevant for our projects and integrate published
datasets accordingly.
7.
To contribute to the writing of publications and grant applications for this and related
studies.
8.
Keep up to date with scientific developments in this and related fields and communicate
these developments within the group.
9.
To attend research seminars and other departmental meetings as required.
10.
To participate in any group/laboratory duties commensurate with the grade as required.
11.
To be aware of and act upon:
Disciplinary procedure and Disciplinary rules
Grievance procedure
Section 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act
Departmental Fire Guidelines
Equal Opportunities Policy
12.
To comply with the Health & Safety regulations of the department.
The hours of work and the distribution of these are at the discretion of the Head of Department.
University College London has adopted an equal opportunities policy and specific regard should
be taken of its content in relation to the treatment of employees or potential employees.
Please note that UCL operates a system of cashless pay directly into a bank or building society
account. All new employees are, therefore, required to have an account with a bank or building
society as soon as they commence their appointment. Failure to produce bank details on the first
day will result in a delay in payment.
This job description is not meant to be restrictive or exhaustive and duties may change in
response to changing circumstances. These will be discussed with the postholder.
Person Specification
The following is a list of essential and desirable requirements needed in order to do the job.
Applicants will be shortlisted solely on the extent to which they meet these requirements.
Competency
Knowledge and
Experience
Evidence




Communication



PhD in relevant area (eg, genomics, chromatin or cell
biology)
Laboratory research experience in biosciences field
(genomics and cell biology).
Basic statistics
Basic Bioinformatics skills (eg analysis of DNA
sequence data, ChIP data)
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Keen to learn and share scientific ideas.
Excellent inter-personal skills.
E/D
E
E
E
D
E
E
E
Teamwork and Motivation

Willingness to work as part of a team and to
effectively exchange information with team members.
 Willingness to work flexibly in order to achieve
project demands
E
E
Service Delivery

Ability to react effectively to requests from the Team
Leader and other colleagues.
E
Planning and Organising
Resources


Ability to organise and prioritise work.
Ability to work safely and effectively with a minimum
of supervision.
E
E
Initiative and Problem
Solving



Ability to use initiative.
Ability to resolve operational difficulties.
Desire to develop the role.
E
E
D
E = Essential
D = Desirable
Date :
6 July 2015