"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

University of York - Department of Biology

Role Description

Department

We’re looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Department of Biology at the University of York. You will work with Dr. Joana Faria and her group in collaboration with Prof Jeremy Mottram’s laboratory investigating the interplay between genome organisation, nuclear architecture and gene expression regulation in Leishmania.

By joining our team, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and be part of the internationally recognised York Biomedical Research Institute and collaborate with leading scientists. We have a vibrant Parasitology research community investigating cellular processes in parasites that cause African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease, malaria and schistosomiasis.

Role

Your main task will be to drive a project to investigate how subnuclear biomolecular condensates shape genome organisation and how stage-specific chromatin features impact gene expression in L. mexicana, with a focus on genes involved in critical host-parasite interactions and immune evasion. As part of our team, you’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques, including advanced imaging, proteomics and next-generation-sequencing-based approaches. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop an exceptional set of skills and contribute to groundbreaking research.

You will be expected to write up research results for dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations. Opportunities for mentorship and additional collaborations will be available and encouraged.

Moreover, our laboratory prides itself not only on training people to a high standard but also helping them pursue their interests and achieve their career goals – applications for individual fellowships will not only be encouraged but well supported.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• You will have a PhD or be expecting to receive a PhD in the near future in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or Microbiology.
• You will have in-depth knowledge of cell/molecular biology and parasitology.
• Experience in at least one NGS-based approach (RNA-Seq, Hi-C or ChIP-Seq) is required.
• Experience in proteomics and/or super-resolution microscopy will be welcome.
• You will have evidence of having done high quality research relevant to the position (e.g. published articles and/or preprints) and developed your communication skills through international presentations.
• You should be willing to contribute towards other projects ongoing in the lab.
• You will have a collaborative spirit, keen attention to detail, and able to contribute to a lively, friendly and supportive team atmosphere.

This is a full-time post funded by the BBSRC on a fixed term basis for up to 3 years (potential extension depending on available funding).

If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure.

Interview date: 03/03/2026

For informal enquiries: please contact Joana R. C. Faria on joana.correiafaria@york.ac.uk