Research Assistant in Bioinformatics

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work on a project investigating the molecular pathogenesis of palmoplantar pustulosis, a severe and disabling skin disorder that is notoriously difficult to treat. The study, which is led by Profs. Francesca Capon and Catherine Smith, will seek to identify new disease genes and pathogenic pathways through the analysis of large omics datasets. The post-holder will join a well-established multidisciplinary team that has already identified key immune abnormalities contributing to disease onset. As the group is generating larger datasets, the post-holder will undertake the analysis of bulk RNA-seq data and ATAC-seq data, integrating them with existing scRNA-seq profiles. For individuals with a wet-lab background, there will also be scope to undertake follow-up experiments in the College state-of-the-art imaging and flow-cytometry facilities.  

Candidates must have a BSc (or MSc) in bioinformatics, or equivalent computational experience. While this is a full-time post, requests for flexible working will be considered. 

The selection process will include a panel interview (scheduled for 15 June pm) and a presentation. 

Informal enquiries can be sent to Francesca Capon (francesca.capon@kcl.ac.uk) 

This post will be offered on a  fixed-term contract until 31 Oct 2024 

This is a full-time  post

Key responsibilities

•         Analysing bulk RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data  

•         Integrating bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data 

•         Supporting undergraduate students hosted by the group 

•         Supporting the activity of the group by sharing communal duties with other team members 

•         Presenting research findings at internal meetings and external conferences, as appropriate 

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 

• Ability to code in R and/or Python 
• Ability to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary setting 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to see projects to completion 
• Understanding of data analysis principles 
• Understanding of the genetic or immune basis of human disease 
• Experience with the analysis of large datasets 

Essential criteria  

1.       BSc in a discipline relevant to the project 

2.       Experience with the analysis of large datasets 

3.       Excellent communication skills 

4.       Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

Desirable criteria

1.       MSc in bioinformatics or related computational discipline 

2.       Experience with cloud computing 

3.       Understanding of the genetic or immune basis of human disease 

Further information

The selection process will include a panel interview (scheduled for 15 June pm) and a presentation.