Research Fellow Full-time NEW

Research Fellow

The main purpose of this position is to lead experimental and computational work on the project “Harnessing natural heteroplasmy: evolutionary blueprints for programmable mitochondria.” This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

Mitochondria are essential organelles whose genomes (mtDNA) often coexist as mixed populations within cells — a state known as heteroplasmy. This project uses bees as a powerful natural model to investigate how heteroplasmy is generated, maintained and selected, with the long-term aim of informing strategies for programmable mitochondrial engineering. The Research Fellow will design and carry out molecular and genomic experiments, analyse next-generation sequencing data, contribute to publications and conference presentations, and help shape the direction of the project.

Interviews are scheduled for: May/June. Would like the applicant to start in the summer/early autumn if possible. This is a fixed-term role for 2 years.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £38,607–£41,255 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 80% on site.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff.

You will be a motivated researcher ready to take ownership of an exciting, interdisciplinary project at the interface of mitochondrial biology, evolutionary genetics and pollinator science. Over the course of the post you will deliver high-quality molecular and genomic datasets on bee mtDNA heteroplasmy, contribute to publications, and present your findings at international conferences.

You must have a PhD (awarded or thesis submitted) in genetics, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, genomics or a closely related discipline, and proven knowledge of molecular biology and/or genomics research techniques. Experience working with insect models (bees, Drosophila or other invertebrate systems) is desired, but not essential. Demonstrable expertise in next-generation sequencing and downstream bioinformatic analysis are essential.

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.