The Project

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated scientist to investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive germline differentiation in vivo. Using the Drosophila female germline as a model, the successful candidate will explore how multiple layers of gene regulation coordinate the developmental switches required for oocyte formation.

Our group combines high-throughput molecular and genomic (including short-read and long-read sequencing) with computational analysis, developmental biology, advanced microscopy, and Drosophila genetics. Experimental approaches may include CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, tissue-specific RNA interference, transgenesis, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling, immunofluorescence, single-molecule RNA imaging, and quantitative confocal microscopy.

Our recent work generated a systematic roadmap of transcriptional and translational changes that accompany germline stem cell differentiation in vivo (Samuels et al., EMBO Journal 2024; Samuels et al., Development 2025). This work revealed that differentiation does not occur through the simple accumulation of molecular changes. Instead, it is driven by distinct, developmentally ordered waves of gene-expression remodelling that progressively transform a germline stem cell into a terminally differentiated cell.

Building on these findings, the successful candidate will investigate how transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and chromatin-associated mechanisms cooperate to control key developmental switches during oogenesis. The position offers substantial scope for the successful candidate to shape the project's direction, introduce complementary approaches, and develop an independent scientific profile.

Candidate profile

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry, genomics, or a related discipline. We encourage candidates with research experience in germline, stem cell, or developmental biology. Prior expertise in next-generation sequencing-based methods to interrogate gene expression/chromatin (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, CUT&Tag, Hi-C) and/or confocal microscopy (IF, smFISH, or HCR) would be particularly valuable. Previous experience with Drosophila genetics would be advantageous but is not essential, as appropriate training can be provided. We therefore welcome applications from excellent candidates working in other experimental systems who wish to apply their expertise to an experimentally tractable in vivo model of stem cell differentiation.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a solid academic and research record appropriate to their career stage; the ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments; rigorous and quantitative approaches to data analysis; evidence of scientific creativity and intellectual independence; excellent written and verbal communication skills; and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

Research environment and development

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment spanning genetics, developmental biology, genomics, microscopy, and computational biology. The postholder will be encouraged to contribute intellectually to the direction of the research, present findings at international conferences, develop collaborations, participate in manuscript preparation, and pursue appropriate fellowship and career-development opportunities.

Duration

The funds for this post are available for three years in the first instance. The preferred start date is January/February 2027, although some flexibility may be possible.

Informal enquiries

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be addressed to Dr Felipe Karam-Teixeira fk319@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PC51215 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.