18 December 2024 – “I would strongly recommend to anyone to apply for a postdoctoral position in life sciences,” advises Robin Burns. “The application process itself is a valuable learning experience.” Now a postdoc at Cambridge after a PhD at Trinity College Dublin, Burns decided to apply for an EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship after hearing more about the grant from friends and colleagues. He highlights the value of the interview process in preparing for future opportunities and emphasizes the fellowship’s role in expanding access to scientific networks.
Burns investigates the complex nature of centromeres – regions of the chromosome required for segregation during cell division yet characterized by rapid evolution. His current research focuses on building a comprehensive database of population data in Arabidopsis (rockcress) to examine centromere variation. “We are investigating how centromere changes occur both between and within species, and the types of selection pressures influencing these changes,” he explains.
He also credits the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship for significantly contributing to his professional development. “The fellowship alleviated some of the stress that is typically associated with postdoctoral positions,” he reflects, “and it offered me the freedom to establish collaborations beyond my lab.” This support has allowed him to focus on his research without the immediate pressure of delivering results tied to a principal investigator’s funding. He endorses the fellowship for its strong reputation and the enriching experiences it offers. “It is an outstanding grant, providing an excellent platform for growth,” he says.
