The role
We are seeking and experienced, creative and energetic postdoc to work on our Wellcome Trust Discovery Grant ‘Developmental control of neural cell number and type’
This project exploits the extreme levels of neurodiversity of Heliconiini butterflies to develop a unique model system of neurodevelopmental regulation. We previously identified major shifts in the cell population forming the mushroom bodies (insect learning and memory centres) in this tribe, with the number of intrinsic neural cells (Kenyon cells) varying 8-fold between closely related species (Couto et al., Nat Comms 2023). The expanded cell population is produced by a pool of derived intermediate progenitors and affects Kenyon cell sub-types differentially. This provides a novel insect system in which to explore the regulation of cell fate decisions. We will use this system to understand the mechanisms governing expanded neural populations, altered production of cell types, their impacts on wider brain circuits, and their behavioural significance. This will advance our understanding of the fundamental principles and developmental pathways governing neurodevelopment.
What will you be doing?
This role will lead the bioinformatics objectives, including analysing single cell/nuclei datasets across development and species, and integrating different -omics datasets (e.g Cicconardi et al., Nat Comms 2023), while working together with other team members with expertise in development, neuroanatomy and behaviour. You will have responsibility for designing and executing comparative studies of cell type and proliferation using sequencing methods, and will work closely with team members to integrate this data in a cell/developmental framework to advance our understanding of this systems’ biology. Ultimately, your work will aim to use sequencing data to reconstruct cell types and cell lineages, and to infer the molecular basis of changes in cell proliferation.
You should apply if
You have experience in handling large genomic/transcriptomic datasets, genome assembly, annotation and phylogenetic analyses, and/or single cell/spatial transcriptomics. You should be able to excel in a team, have excellent data handling and organizational skills, and a strong commitment to open science and inclusive research culture.
We encourage under-represented groups to apply, and we are happy to discuss the research culture in our research group and Department.
Additional information
Informal expressions of interest can be directed to Stephen Montgomery, [email protected]
Contract type: Open ended (with fixed funding for 3 years)
Work pattern: 100% time
Grade: J
Salary: £42,882 - £48,149 per annum
School/Unit: School of Biological Sciences
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 25/06/2025
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