Scribd
Upload
6 views2 pages

UCD Rearch Fellow Level Position

Dr. Attia Fatima is applying for the Post-doctoral Research Fellow position in Dr. Olga Lastovetsky's lab, highlighting her PhD in Bioinformatics and extensive experience in multi-omics data integration and mycology. She emphasizes her expertise in molecular biology, experimental design, and mentorship, as well as her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Fatima expresses enthusiasm for contributing to sustainable agriculture research through the study of microbe-plant interactions.

Uploaded by

Attia Fatima
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views2 pages

UCD Rearch Fellow Level Position

Dr. Attia Fatima is applying for the Post-doctoral Research Fellow position in Dr. Olga Lastovetsky's lab, highlighting her PhD in Bioinformatics and extensive experience in multi-omics data integration and mycology. She emphasizes her expertise in molecular biology, experimental design, and mentorship, as well as her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Fatima expresses enthusiasm for contributing to sustainable agriculture research through the study of microbe-plant interactions.

Uploaded by

Attia Fatima
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Dr.

Olga Lastovetsky
UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science
University College Dublin

Re: UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow– Molecular underpinnings of interkingdom interactions

Dear Dr. Lastovetsky,

I am writing to apply for the Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level position in your laboratory.
With a PhD in Bioinformatics, extensive postdoctoral experience in multi‑omics data integration
(transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), a strong foundation in mycology (from
undergraduate [Link]. Botany through to teaching and practical laboratory work), and proven
expertise in molecular biology and bioinformatics, I am well‑equipped to explore how
endosymbiotic bacteria influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their crop plant hosts.

Mycology & Fungal Biology Background:


My deep understanding of fungi comes from formal training and teaching. As an undergraduate
([Link]. Botany), I studied fungal classification, life cycles and the economic importance of fungi
(beneficial – antibiotics, fermentation; harmful – plant pathogens, food spoilage). During my
[Link]., I performed mycology practicals including preparation of culture media (Potato Dextrose
Agar, Malt Extract Agar), isolation of fungi from environmental samples (soil, plant material),
pure culture techniques, staining (Lactophenol Cotton Blue) and microscopic identification of
fungi. This background gives me a strong intuition for working with AMF and their endobacteria.

Multi‑Omics & Bioinformatics Expertise (Essential):


My postdoctoral work at UCD Conway Institute and Systems Biology Ireland involved
transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data analysis using R/Bioconductor, weighted gene
co‑expression networks (WGCNA), PCA, and pathway mapping. I have integrated
transcriptomics and proteomics datasets to build biological models of organismal interactions
(e.g., host‑pathogen in melanoma). I am comfortable with systems biology multi‑omic overlay
approaches, exactly as required for this project.

Molecular Biology & Experimental Design:


I have hands‑on experience with RNA/DNA extraction from tissues and cell lines (including
frozen liver tissue and bovine kidney cell line), qPCR/RT‑PCR, and cell culture maintenance. I
have designed laboratory‑, greenhouse‑, and field‑based experiments (e.g., nutritional challenge
studies, sample collection from clinical sites). I am prepared to maintain AMF in in vitro root
organ cultures and greenhouse trap cultures.

Mentorship & Dissemination:


As a Lecturer in Biology and senior postdoc, I have mentored undergraduate and master’s
students, supported their professional development, and contributed to grant applications and
peer‑reviewed publications (BMC Genomics, Physiological Genomics). I am committed to open
science and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:


I fully support the EDI agenda and have worked in diverse, international teams.

I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture research through


understanding microbe‑microbe‑plant interactions. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Attia Fatima

You might also like