Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to investigate the role of transcriptional enhancers in heart muscle biology. The post will be based within the Centre for Genomics and Child Health in the Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London.

　　Genetic sequencing of human populations has associated thousands of genetic variants to disease predisposition, most of which lie in non-coding regions of the human genome with potential roles in gene regulation. In the context of cardiovascular disease, genome-wide association studies have identified numerous candidate genes, but much less is known about the potential role of non-coding elements such as transcriptional enhancers in these processes. Focusing on model systems of the heart muscle, we will conduct a series of integrated genome-wide experiments to identify active myocardial enhancers harbouring human disease variants, and establish their functional role in conduction and hypertrophy phenotypes. A number of opportunities for follow-up studies will arise from this approach, including in vitro experimental work.

　　This BHF-funded research will be at the interface of epigenetics, population genomics and cell biology, and is a collaboration between Dr. Diego Villar (www.researchgate.net/profile/Diego_Villar) and cardiovascular geneticists Profs. Andrew Tinker and Panos Deloukas. The position will be based at Dr. Villar’s lab in the Blizard Institute (https://www.qmul.ac.uk/blizard/staff/centre-for-genomics-and-child-health/staff/diego-villar.html) and will involve close collaborative links with the Tinker and Deloukas groups in the William Harvey Heart Centre (www.qmul.ac.uk/whri/clinical-activities/william-harvey-heart-centre/).

　　The ideal candidate will possess strong organisational skills and be able to work independently and engage with basic, computational and clinical colleagues. The studies will employ cutting-edge functional genomics, experimental models and computational analyses (in collaboration with Dr Robert Lowe). The candidate should have strong experimental skills (in either functional genomics or molecular biology) and an excellent publication record (including at least one first author, peer-reviewed research paper). Previous experience with in vivo cardiovascular models, stem cell biology or computational analyses is highly desirable but not essential, provided the postholder is willing to learn (in collaboration with the Tinker and Lowe groups). The candidate will work in a world-class environment within the QMUL Epigenetics Hub (http://www.blizard.qmul.ac.uk/epigenetics.html), along with exciting new cross-faculty initiatives in genomics and computational biology.

　　The post is full time for 3 years. Starting salary will be in the range £32,956 - £34,764 per annum inclusive of London Allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, pension scheme and interest-free season ticket loan.

　　Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.

　　Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged and should be addressed to Dr. Diego Villar at d.villarlozano@qmul.ac.uk or on +44 (0) 020 7882 2364.

　　Details about the Institute can be found at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/blizard/

　　The closing date for applications is 23rd January 2019. Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter.

　　Application enquiries can be directed to recruitment@qmul.ac.uk

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