Research Associate in Evolutionary Origins of MicroRNAs

University of Bristol - Animal Behaviour and Sensory Biology

Location: Bristol
Salary: £39,906 to £44,746 per annum, Grade: I
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 17th April 2026
Closes: 14th May 2026
Job Ref: ACAD108549

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join Vengamanaidu Modepalli’s group to support and deliver a BBSRC‑funded research project investigating the evolutionary origins of microRNA‑mediated post‑transcriptional gene regulation. This project investigates when and how microRNA (miRNA) pathways originated and what their ancestral functions were across the early animal lineage. Emerging evidence from sponges and unicellular holozoans indicates that the evolutionary history of miRNA biogenesis and function is far more ancient and complex than previously believed. By studying the early-diverging lineages and their unicellular relatives, the research aims to reconstruct the ancestral RNA interference (RNAi) machinery that predates the rise of complex multicellular animals.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator to generate new fundamental insights into how RNA interference (RNAi) pathways, particularly the microRNA (miRNA) machinery, emerged and diversified during early animal evolution. You will be responsible for executing the project’s core experimental workflows to characterise the biogenesis, function and mechanisms of miRNAs in sponges and unicellular holozoans. In addition, you will undertake associated bioinformatic analyses.

What will you be doing?

• To plan and conduct lab and aquarium experiments in line with the main goals of the project
• To disseminate findings by presenting results at national and international conferences
• To prepare research manuscripts for publication
• To participate in outreach events

You should apply if

You have:

Essential:

• Strong background in molecular biology and RNA biology
• Hands‑on experience in Western blotting and antibody validation.
• Experience in bioinformatics analysis of high‑throughput sequencing data.
• Knowledge of molecular interaction assays, such as protein–protein and protein–RNA interaction techniques.
• Ability to work with non‑model organisms or unconventional systems

Desirable:

• Hands‑on expertise with immunoprecipitation-based methods, particularly Argonaute IP (AGO‑IP).
• Experience with small RNA pathways
• Familiarity with RNA modifications and methylation analyses
• Knowledge of non-bilaterian animals, early metazoan evolution, or RNA pathway evolution.
• Competence in bioinformatic pipelines specific to small RNA biology

Personal Qualities:

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for understanding fundamental biological mechanisms.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills within multidisciplinary environments.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended  (Fixed funding for 2 years, 6 months)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 14/05/2026

For informal queries please contact: Dr Vengamanaidu Modepalli, Lecturer, via email: vengamanaidu.modepalli@bristol.ac.uk