Early Stage Researcher

**Position Details**

College of CMH, Department of Cancer & Genomic Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Fixed salary of £41,313.00 additional allowances may be applicable depending on circumstances

Grade 7 (spot)

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 3 years

Closing date: 24 November 2024

We are seeking an applicant for a fully-funded HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN PhD studentship in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham, in the group of Dr Csilla Várnai in the area of chromatin topology in tissue regeneration.

The aim of this position is to understand the role of chromatin topology in gene transcription regulation in the context of the regeneration of injured telencephalon in adult zebrafish. During the project, you will have the opportunity to learn the chromosome conformation capture technology (Hi-C) and the computational analysis of Hi-C data, as well as data integration with other ‘omics methods including from single-cell experiments. You will also have the opportunity to learn comparative analysis of chromatin topology between zebrafish and mouse, to study the conservation of chromatin topology around genes implicated in tissue regeneration.

You will be a member of the DANIO-ReCODE Doctoral Network. The principal objective of network is to provide world-class doctoral training to a new generation of early-career researchers, and it is responsible for the training of 15 PhD students. As part of this network, you will have the opportunity to visit partner labs within the network for longer collaborative visits as well as substantial training opportunities within academia and industry. As such, international travel and networking will be integral parts of your training during your PhD. DANIO-ReCODE combines the multidisciplinary expertise of 15 research laboratories in 12 institutions in the EU and UK. Its scientific aim is to enhance the understanding of vertebrate regeneration processes at the molecular level, while providing new avenues for the repair or replacement of damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues.

This position is led by Dr Várnai at the University of Birmingham (UK). Dr Várnai’s research focusses on computational method development to understand the role of chromatin topology in gene regulation and disease. Within the University of Birmingham, Dr Várnai’s group is an integral part of Computational Biology section of the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, as well as the Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology. The Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology aims to understand how genomes function at a deep molecular level, bringing together researchers across the University of Birmingham, enabling research collaborations between specialists in Gene Regulation and Epigenetics in Development and Disease, RNA Biology, DNA Replication and Repair, Cancer Biology, Bacterial Genome Studies, Environmental Toxicology and Computational Biology.

The University of Birmingham is one of the leading research-based universites in the United Kingdom. Birmingham is 68th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings for Life Sciences and Medicine, and joint 11th with a research power ranking of 6th in the recent University research ranking of the UK (Medicine, REF-2021).

**Role Summary**:

- Work within the DANIO-ReCODE research grant and project.
- Operate within the research areas of chromatin biology, gene regulation, transcription regulation, developmental genetics and genomics, comparative analysis in the context of tissue regeneration using zebrafish
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results from relevant experiments
- Contribute to the dissemination of the results

**Main Duties**:
Develop research objectives for research into the characterisation of chromatin topology in telencephalon injury and regeneration and its evolutionary conservation, carried out with the assistance of a supervisor/mentor.
- Collect research data (depending on expertise in experimental molecular biology);
- Analyse and interpret data
- Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Interact with other members of the DANIO-ReCODE consortium and fulfil the responsibilities associated with the studentship, such as attending consortium meetings, training activities and international secondments to partner organisations.
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities.
- Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, under supervision of the project leader.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
- Promote equality and value diversity acting as