Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Protist Transcriptomics

The Earlham Institute; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

The Earlham Institute in Norwich, UK, invites applications for a part-time Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Protist Transcriptomics to join the Moore foundation funded project.

The role combines experimental and computational work on long-read transcriptomics from single protist cells, including cell sorting, library preparation and bioinformatic analysis, with a pro-rata salary of £39,000–£46,500 and a 36-month appointment at 18.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in biology or molecular biology.
• PhD in molecular biology.
• Hands-on molecular biology in a genomics context.
• Experience with long-read sequencing is desirable.
• Experience with single-cell methods and sequencing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-read RNA sequencing approaches for protists.
• Develop and apply computational methods to interpret transcript features.
• Collaborate with team on site and remotely.
• Share protocols and training materials.
• Contribute to project management and external communications.
• Perform other duties as approved.

Skills

Molecular biology in genomics

Single‑cell methods (Smart-seq2)

Bioinformatics pipelines

Data visualization

Communication and collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in biology or molecular biology

PhD in molecular biology

Tools

Long-read sequencing

Cell sorting

Sequencing library preparation

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Protist Transcriptomics

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Protist Transcriptomics Post Number 1006189 Closing Date 16 Sep 2026 Grade SC6 Starting Salary Salary: £38,000-£46,500

Hours per week 18.5 Project Title Achieving Scale: Sequencing Protist Genomes and Transcriptomes Months Duration 36

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

The postholder will work as part of the Moore foundation funded project at EI to develop and apply approaches for long-read transcriptomics from single protist cells. They will work on both experimental (cell sorting, molecular biology and sequencing library preparation) and computational aspects of the project.

Key Relationships

Line Manager and co-signatory; research teams of line manager and co-signatory; members of wider Moore foundation funded project both at EI and partner organisations. members of EI Cellgen CSP project team; EI Technical Genomics Staff; EI operations staff; EI directorate. Internal and external collaborators; Industrial and Commercial partners. Customers of EI single-cell ans spatial team.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Development of long-read RNA sequencing approaches applicable to protists (experimental). Troubleshooting methods and developing robust, deployable approaches 30 Development and application of computational approaches to interpret and visualise transcript features in individual protist cells, with a specific focus on data quality and error detection/reporting 30 Engagement in team based experiments and analyses, with partners on site and remotely - e.g. cell sorting, analysis etc. 15 Data sharing and presentation internally and externally, regular meetings and knowledge exchange with the wider team, project management and external stakeholders 15 Writing / sharing protocols e.g. on protocols.io, training activities, outreach 10 As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance Undergraduate degree in biology or molecular biology Essential PhD in molecular biology Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Hands-on molecular biology in a genomics context: able to perform complex multi step molecular biology experiments independently and train others Essential Problem solving: able to develop innovative solutions to generate sequence data from novel or difficult sample types Essential Workflow development: able to design and document robust and reproducible workflows compatible with core facilities to support wider implementation Essential Bioinformatics: able to analyse sequencing data using standard and custom workflows, adapting and developing pipelines where necessary Essential Communication: able to communicate clearly with diverse audiences within a collaborative environment, adapting communication to different areas of training and expertise, including through meetings, presentations and scientific writing Essential

Requirement Importance Experience developing, troubleshooting and optimising molecular biology or sequencing workflows, particularly for novel, heterogeneous or low-input sample Essential Experience with plate-based single cell molecular biology methods (such as Smart-seq2) and other high-throughput methods (such as droplet-based methods) Essential Experience working with non-human cells (particularly protozoa) and/or challenging sample types Essential Experience working in both academic and core facility environments, including transferring methods between different environments Essential Experience writing and using software for sequencing data analysis, including developing or adapting computational workflows for novel or non-standard data types Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Excellent communication and presentation skills - both oral and written Essential Experience of working in large multidisciplinary teams and institutes Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential

Who We Are

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute harnesses the power of data-driven biology to accelerate solutions for health, biodiversity, and food security. Based at Norwich Research Park, the Earlham Institute is one of eight institutes strategically funded by BBSRC.

Our science combines world-class technology, interdisciplinary expertise, and training and development across genomics, engineering biology and data science, to decode the scale and complexity of living systems.

We believe we can achieve more if we work together. That's why we collaborate with the global science community and industry partners, while also inspiring the next generation of scientists and technical specialists.

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make biological predictions.

We are home to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure.

We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single‑cell analysis, engineering biology, and large‑scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe.

Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world‑class science alongside a supportive and social community.

The Single‑cell and Spatial Analysis team at Earlham focusses on the application of single‑cell and spatial analysis in a wide range of biological systems. Working closely with several faculty teams and embedded within the Macaulay group, the team has cutting‑edge facilities for single‑cell analysis supported by exceptional sequencing and computational capabilities.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Protist Transcriptomics
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Protist Transcriptomics to join the Laboratory of Dr Iain Macaulay in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
Background:
The Single‑cell and Spatial Analysis team at Earlham focusses on the application of single‑cell and spatial analysis in a wide range of biological systems. Working closely with several faculty teams and embedded within the Macaulay group, the team has cutting‑edge facilities for single‑cell analysis supported by exceptional sequencing and computational capabilities.
The role:
The postholder will work as part of the Moore foundation funded project at EI to develop and apply approaches for long‑read transcriptomics from single protist cells. They will work on both experimental (cell sorting, molecular biology and sequencing library preparation) and computational aspects of the project.
The ideal candidate:
You will hold an Undergraduate degree in biology or molecular biology and a PhD in molecular biology. You will possess hands‑on molecular biology experience in a genomics context and be able to perform complex multi‑step molecular biology experiments independently. You will have demonstrable experience with developing, troubleshooting and optimising molecular biology or sequencing workflows, particularly for novel, heterogeneous or low‑input sample coupled with experience with plate‑based single cell molecular biology methods (such as Smart‑seq2) and other high‑throughput methods (such as droplet‑based methods).
Please see the full job profile for further essential and desirable skills and experience.
Additional information:
This is a part‑time post for a contract of 36 months.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500, pro‑rata, per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment; those awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
The closing date for applications will be 16 September 2026.