At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse single-cell RNAseq data to explore snake retina diversity and evolution.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum, a leader in innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts at museums.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in evolutionary biology while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in sensory/evolutionary biology and experience with RNAseq data required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A BBSRC-funded PDRA position is available for 3 years working on “Neurons of the exceptionally disparate and varied retinas of snakes: diversity, connectivity, and evolution” with PI Dr David Gower at the NHM London. This key role in a molecular genetics project focuses on analysis and interpretation of newly generated single‑cell RNAseq data. The project aims to discover how outer‑retinal photoreceptor diversity relates to inner‑retinal neuron wiring and to test hypotheses about vertebrate retinal evolution, integrating data from immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, connectomics and molecular genetics.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, bioinformatics‑skilled Postdoctoral Researcher who holds a PhD in sensory and/or evolutionary biology, including experience with molecular genetic data from non‑model organisms. You should have postgraduate and/or professional experience with single‑cell or single‑nucleus RNAseq data, and be able to develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines, conduct downstream computational analyses, identify molecularly distinct cell types, develop and maintain analytical workflows and large‑scale datasets, host code on publicly accessible repositories, and contribute to presentations and publications. You will work as part of a team led by Dr David Gower and Dr Einat Hauzman and project partners in Bonn’s Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behaviour. Excellent communication skills in English (both verbal and written) are required. This is a time‑bound post; you must work at pace, meet fixed deadlines, and deliver high‑quality research.
We value curiosity, initiative, technical excellence, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality research. Collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork, and contributing to internationally leading research are integral to this role.
Benefits:
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full‑time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4–10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK
- Staff discount at Museum shops and cafés
- Wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (access to fitness facilities, cinemas, theatres, special offers, heritage sites)
- Membership to the Sports and Social Association (access to in‑house gym, clubs, classes in dance, yoga and Tai Chi)
We operate a hybrid working model requiring regular, weekly attendance. The precise pattern of days on site and worked from home will be agreed with your manager.
Bioinformatician, BBSRC Snake Retinas employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is an exceptional employer for a Bioinformatician, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters curiosity and collaboration in cutting-edge research. With generous benefits including 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to globally significant projects in sensory and evolutionary biology. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bioinformatician, BBSRC Snake Retinas
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Natural History Museum, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Natural History Museum, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Natural History Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Bioinformatician, BBSRC Snake Retinas
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Natural History Museum.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Bioinformatician, BBSRC Snake Retinas at Natural History Museum.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Natural History Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Natural History Museum.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at Natural History Museum are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
