Clinical and Experimental Sciences

Location:  Southampton General Hospital
Salary:   £34,314 to £36,333 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term (24 months)
Closing Date:  Monday 19 June 2023
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  2279423FC-R

Research Fellow in Data-driven biology and Systems Biomedicine

We are looking to recruit a PhD or equivalent professional qualification in the area of Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine. We encourage applications from candidates who have expertise in using multi-omics-data in combination with network analysis tools for molecular phenotyping to join this exciting project. The position will be an appointment within the Faculty of Medicine and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre in collaboration with the Precision Bioscience and Innovation Hub hosted at the main University campus, in the Life Sciences Building. 

The overall purpose of the position is to use cutting edge data analysis approaches such as Topological Data Analysis, numerical prediction and classification and biological pathway analysis for disease stratification using omics data generated as part of a large multi-omics clinical study of severe asthma funded by the pharmaceutical company, Novartis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of action of a monoclonal biologic (omalizumab) that targets IgE antibodies which are centrally involved in asthma. The study is called SoMOSA (Study of Mechanisms of Action of Omalizumab in Severe Asthma) and it also aims to identify omics biomarkers that predict which patient will respond well to the drug.  

The research fellow will also engage in studies of other UK and international studies of similar size and complexity as SoMOSA to cross-validate the findings, which will provide excellent opportunities for national and international exposure and contacts. 

Southampton is a leading research university, with 92% of its research work assessed as world leading and internationally excellent in the REF 2021 assessment. UOS is a Russell group member, and its research impacts government policy-making, health issues, teaching and business. For this position, you will work closely with Ratko Djukanovic (Professor of Medicine), working within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and Professor Paul Skipp from the School of Biological Sciences as part of the Precision Bioscience and Innovation Hub. This will provide excellent opportunities for several publications and interactions with a multi-disciplinary team.

All candidates with a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications who can explain how their experience will be able to accelerate the research programme with relevant industrial and/or academic experiences are encouraged to apply. 

The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre is a centre of excellence for translational research, with a recent award of £26 million to extend its activity for another 5-year cycle. The Medical Faculty and the School of Biological Sciences hold Athena SWAN Silver Awards, demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. We value diversity and equality and recognise that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. 

For further details about the post you are invited to contact Prof Ratko Djukanovic (r.djukanovic@soton.ac.uk) and Prof Paul Skipp pjss@soton.ac.uk 44 (0) 2380594204

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who supports our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by midnight on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.