We are looking for a post-doctoral bioinformatician skilled in the analysis of metagenomic data, with initiative and drive, to contribute to research into the biggest medical problem facing the world currently (i.e. COVID-19) - and specifically the relationship between the gut microbiome and COVID-19.

You will have a unique opportunity to work on data from two internationally renowned cohorts: firstly, TwinsUK; and secondly, the COVID Symptom Study Biobank, based on the COVID-19 ZOE app. Studies of microbiome in COVID-19 will particularly focus on long-COVID, an emerging problem world-wide for survivors of COVID-19, and will include analysis of pre-pandemic data, as well as data collected in November 2020. The opportunity to contribute to the study of COVID-19 and, potentially, to vaccine responses, through investigation of these unique and large datasets is both unprecedented and of huge international importance, given both the pandemic and development of effective vaccination.

There will also be opportunities to engage in other microbiome projects using these deeply phenotyped cohorts, as well as with other projects involving genomics research and age related diseases.

Applicants are expected to be able to direct research independently and have a good breadth of knowledge of mcrobiome and immunological research methodologies and background. This post-doctoral position will also be expected to write papers, review papers, and supervise and mentor research assistance and students, in a highly supportive environment for both early- and mid-career researchers.

This is a full-time post, a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

Key responsibilities

This post will work in the microbiome, supporting the research activities of Dr Claire Steves (PI, Deputy Director for TwinsUK, Dept of Twin Research, School of Life Course Sciences) and Professor Tim Spector (Director, Dept of Twin Research, School of Life Course Sciences).
This research will include interrogation the gut microbiome, in relation to COVID-19, specifically long-COVID, and other research relating to the gut, salivary and urinary microbiome in relation to ageing, metabolism and human disease.

Applicants are expected to be able to direct research independently with a good breadth of knowledge of microbiome research methodologies and background. This post-doc will also be expected to write papers, review papers, and supervise and mentor research assistance and students.

• Undertake original and state of the art biomedical research as an integral member of a group working on using microbiome data to investigate long-COVID and the analysis of potential strategies in these populations.
• A strong working knowledge of modern bioinformatic strategies for use of resources.
• Process metagenomics data from sequence data through to functional and taxonomic classifications.
• Analyse gene pathways in relation to microbiome data
• Analyse interactions between immune parameters, metabolomics and metagenomics data.
• A working knowledge of wider genetic epidemiology, and multi-omics would be desirable but not essential.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive laboratory notes
• Assist, supervise and train other members of the group, including students and other research staff in their application in related lab projects.
• Manage the progress and set goals for achievement of project aims in collaboration with team leaders including the execution of literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and report preparation.
• Prepare reports on results for verbal and multimedia presentations at regular lab meetings, departmental seminars, national and international meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer review journals or book chapters
• Facilitate collaboration and networking which engages and supports the activities of this research.
• Identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in area of research
• Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Implement new technological approaches to solve problems
• Contribute to decisions affecting the work of the team
• Take initiative to undergo relevant training
• Responsible for identifying stakeholder (e.g. students, colleagues, external bodies) needs and ensuring these are met.
• Provide expert advice in subject area
• Set the standards of service and ensure overall quality is maintained
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Write up research work for publication in scientific journals
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity
• Analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Actively participate as a member of a research team
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings
• Provide mutual support to the team, acting as a role model for good practice
• Set up and maintain relevant laboratory equipment for use by self or others.
• Supervise the research activities of undergraduate and postgraduate students engaged in related research under the direction of group leaders.
• Balance with help the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines
• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on own work and that of others
• Show consideration to others

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

• PhD awarded or near completion in Microbiome/ metagenomics, or genetics
• Strong background in microbiome and functional genomics including knowledge of the field and expertise in research methodology
• Strong computational skills
• Sound knowledge of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics field and research methodology
• Knowledge of bioinformatics analysis methods, including ability to analyse microbiome data
• Experience in writing scientific articles /grants
• Ability to contribute to the team success (training colleagues, providing scientific input during meetings, keeping a healthy working atmosphere in the lab)
• Organised and systematic approach to research
• Strong work ethic, evidence of productivity
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure & to meet deadlines

Desirable criteria

• Experience with working with immune traits or metabolomics
• Extensive experience in conferences, oral presentations and posters
• Good publication record

Further information

The post holder will need to be independent and self-driven. They will benefit from prior experience managing large datasets. There are multiple opportunities that will arise from working with the existing and evolving multi-omics data in COVID-19 (particularly long-COVID and responses). The position will allow many exciting opportunities to interact with a wide variety of researchers, from clinical to epidemiologists to immunologists and cell biologists.

This post is predominantly supervised by Dr Claire Steves, with additional input from Prof Emma Duncan and Prof Tim Spector.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.