A postdoctoral Research Associate post is available in the Cichlid Eco-Evo-Devo Group directed by Dr Emília Santos in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.
The applicant will work on PredictingSPOTS, a recently awarded ERC Consolidator Grant investigating the genomic and developmental basis of colour pattern diversification and convergence in East African cichlid fishes. The project combines genetic mapping, spatial and single-cell transcriptomics, and data-driven mathematical modelling to understand how genomic and developmental mechanisms shape trait evolution. The post will focus on egg-spots, a sexually selected pigmentation pattern that has evolved repeatedly and independently across cichlid radiations, offering a tractable system to test whether convergent phenotypes arise through shared or independent developmental paths.
The principal aim for this post is to map the transcriptomic and regulatory basis of egg-spot development and its convergent evolution across a panel of cichlid species, combining spatial transcriptomics and single-nuclei RNA-seq/ATAC-seq with gene regulatory network inference. Strong bioinformatics/computational skills and demonstrable experience analysing high-throughput sequencing data will be essential, as will strong quantitative and statistical reasoning. Experience with spatial transcriptomics, single-nuclei sequencing, or gene regulatory network inference -including machine learning approaches to network or enhancer prediction - is highly desirable, as is a background in evolutionary developmental biology. Candidates will also have the opportunity to test predictions arising from this work using genome editing, in collaboration with the group's Research Laboratory Technician, and to contribute directly to the project's mathematical modelling if interested, though this is not an essential requirement of the role.
The successful candidate will join the Cichlid Eco-Evo-Devo lab, a team of nine members, including PhD students and postdocs and will work closely with the group's mathematical modelling collaborators (Dr. Berta Verd and Dr. Alexandria Volkening). Candidates will need to be highly motivated and develop a good understanding of the nature of the data and the project's scientific aims. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will be expected to demonstrate scientific independence matching their technical expertise. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.
For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document.
Deadline for applications is midnight at 16th August 2026. Interviews are due to be conducted on 14th September 2026 (subject to change)
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Dr Emilia Santos [email: [email protected]]
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Zoology HR Office [email: [email protected]]
Please quote reference PF50333 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.
