Research Associate in Systems Biology

Job description
The RA will develop approaches to enable integrating of high-throughput data using cutting-edge systems biology approach. Systems biology is an interdisciplinary subject where the systems of biological components are studied using mathematical models, computational models and experimental technologies such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. It includes application and development of systems biological methods with particular emphasis on integration, analysis and modelling of big data within the field of human microbiome. In the Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, we analyze omics data obtained from subjects with diseases including skin diseases. The post will be performing community modeling of the host-microbiome interactions in different states and analyzing the multi-omics data from patients from different cohorts.

The candidates are expected to perform research in Systems Biology and medicine. We are therefore seeking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD degree in Systems Biology. The long-term vision of the Centre is to further the understanding of human biology, to open novel avenues to address unmet clinical needs and capture worldwide leadership in an exciting new field. The initial focus of this research is to develop and refine computational and systems biology tools to study human host and microbiome in health and disease. In the next phase, employ the computational tools to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease, identify drug targets and discover biomarker for the development of the efficient treatment strategies. The candidates should also have a background in host-microbiome interactions, genome-scale metabolic modelling and integrative multi-omics analysis.

The selection process will include competency-based questions, a presentation, an assessment and a panel interview. Interviews are scheduled to be held in November 2020.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 2 years.
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• Independent research
• Publish in international leading research journals
• Interact collaboratively with clinical and research teams in UK and Europe.
• The post-holder will be expected to:
• Write manuscripts for publication
• Take a leading role in multi-omics data analysis and to assist and train other members of the group, including students and other research staff, in the application of these techniques in related computational
• To work independently, and in collaboration with others, keeping accurate records throughout.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive lab notes and to undertake the analysis of results of research studies as stated above.
• Collate and prepare the data of research studies as stated above for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals.
• Keep up to date with the relevant scientific literature.
• Present research findings and papers at internal and external academic meetings, seminars and conferences and to contribute to the internal and external visibility of the laboratory.
• Lead discussions on literature at group and Department journal club meetings.
• To be pro-active in communicating with collaborating laboratories, including liaising with collaborators and developing new ideas to progress the project.
• Spend a period of time (if necessary) in collaborating labs learning techniques specific to the research project.
• Manage specific pieces of activity to an agreed timeline including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, report writing.
• Facilitate collaboration and networking which engages and supports the activities of this research.
• Participate in educational activities as appropriate to the stage of your career.
• To be committed to your own personal career development.
• Liaise with the administration team for the support of the project.
• The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

• PhD in appropriate subject area
• Excellent scientific communication skills: written and verbal
• Skills in omics analysis, Optimization & mathematical modelling, Systems Biology, Microbiome, metabolic modelling
• Skills in Programming numerical algorithms in languages such as MATLAB, Python and R
• Experience in Systems Biology
• Experience in Next-generation sequencing analysis
• Outstanding communication skills
• Collaborative and interactive
• Willingness to work flexibly within changing laboratory conditions
• Ability to learn and adapt to new computational techniques
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload

Desirable criteria

• Publication in the subject area
• Appropriate skills working with Linux and High-Performance Computing
• Experience in Biostatistics and Host and Microbiome metabolism
• *Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information
This advertisement does meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship under Home Office regulations and therefore the university will be able to offer sponsorship for this role.