Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Analysis of neural epigenome

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoc candidate to join the research group of Mathieu Boulard at EMBL Rome to study the epigenetic underpinnings of neural diversity.

The Boulard Group's research program explores the functional partitioning of mammalian genomes. Commonly referred to as epigenetic silencing, this biological process ensures the stable transcriptional silencing of a specific set of promoters that includes retrotransposons and mono-allelically expressed genes, such as imprinted genes. Among our latest achievements is the identification of reversible glycosylation of chromatin proteins for the stable silencing of retrotransposons (PMID: 39787076, 32522876).

Ongoing research focuses on epigenetic regulation in neurons. Our approach combines mouse genetics and single-cell (epi)genomic and transcriptomic methods. We aim to understand the regulatory logic of the interplay between epigenetic silencing and enhancer activity in creating neural diversity in mammals. 

Your role 

We are looking for a postdoc who shares our excitement and interest and wishes to understand the neural epigenome at the functional level.

This project will be a team effort and the candidate will need to tightly interact and collaborate with other postdocs and PhD students working on related aspects, having generated preliminary results and having developed essential perturbation and analytic tools.

Possible directions within this project include:

• Single cell functional epigenomic profiling.

• Functional analysis of 3D genome organization.

• Human genomic studies of large gene families.

You have 

• A PhD in biological sciences with demonstrated experience in computational biology and bioinformatics.

• The motivation and dedication to lead a scientific project.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the highest ethical standards.

You may also have

• Expertise in functional genomics data analysis.

• Scientific programming skills, including knowledge of R, Bash and Python languages. Confidence working with the command line in a HPC environment.

• Applications from candidates with a background in mathematics or computer science with a keen interest in learning molecular neuroscience are welcome.

• Knowledge of Italian is not required.

Contract length:

12 month-contract, renewable.

Salary:

Year 1 Stipend at rate of 3228 EUR per month after tax

Why join us:

EMBL provides a unique environment for young scientists to conduct ground-breaking research and technology development across the life sciences. The EMBL Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, located near Rome, Italy, applies a wide range of modern technologies to diverse problems in developmental and organismal biology, focusing on the laboratory mouse. Research groups within the unit explore topics in epigenetics, gene regulation, sensory processing, and circuits and behavior. 

EMBL offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a highly collegial and family-friendly working environment. The position includes a competitive salary, social security/family benefits, full medical insurance, financial support for relocation, professional development, a supportive culture, and access to extensive training. 

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches.

What else you need to know:

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processeshere .

• We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics.

How to apply:

Please submit a cover letter, your CV and the contact details of 3 referees through our online system. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date shown below.

For more information, please contact Mathieu Boulard at: matthieu.boulard@embl.it .

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation 
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. 

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns 

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family 

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
  

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants . 

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities. 

• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you. 

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

15/05/2025