Research Assistant/Associate - Bioinformatics
Research Assistant/Associate - Bioinformatics
Newcastle University
Newcastle, United Kingdom
The Role
Are you a bioinformatician/data scientist with a passion for single cell genomics? Are you interested in joining a vibrant multi-disciplinary team working to understand in how mitochondrial DNA mutations affect people in different ways?
We are looking for a motivated bioinformatician to join our dynamic research team, backed by significant funding from a recently awarded Wellcome Career Development Award. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with computational and wet-lab scientists at the forefront of pioneering research from the very start of a project. Our goal is to determine how the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes interact in mitochondrial DNA disease. You will harness the power of large-scale single-cell genomics to address a fundamental question in the field of mitochondrial genomics – why do people who carry the same mitochondrial DNA mutation have such different disease outcomes?
We are seeking candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience in bioinformatics, computational biology or related areas with experience of working with large scale genomic data. For candidates without a PhD, we offer the opportunity to undertake PhD training as part of the role.
Key Accountabilities
- Design and implement pipelines for analysing large-scale, single-cell genomic datasets
- Support the development and implementation of bioinformatic pipelines for analysing large-scale multiomic datasets
- Contribute to and advise on experimental design, analysis and interpretation of results across the project team
- Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
- Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
- Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
- Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
- Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
- May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
- Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
- May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
- Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience of working within a Unix/Linux HPC or cloud computing environment
- Proficiency in programming (e.g. using Linux/Python and R), command-line applications, and programming standards such as version control
- High level analytical ability with attention to detail
- Experience of analysing and integrating single cell genomic datasets
- Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
- Detailed subject knowledge in the area of bioinformatics
- Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
- High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
- Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
- Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
Desirable
- Familiarity with containerisation (e.g., Docker or Singularity) of informatic pipelines/workflows
- Experience accessing and utilising external, publicly available datasets (e.g., Genomics England, UKBioBank, EBI)
- Experience in integrative omics methodologies
- Understanding of the application of statistical methods to omics studies
- Experience of contributing to and advising on experimental design, analysis and interpretation of results across project teams
Attributes and Behaviour
- Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- An ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently
- Attention to detail
- A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others
Desirable
- Flexibility with respect to working hours
- Willingness to travel internationally, if required
Qualifications
- Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
- A PhD in the research area required (Research Associate)
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