Job description
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Bioinformatician to develop and implement approaches to computational analysis of clinical trials datasets. The post holder will work closely with neuroscientists and computational groups within the King’s MND Care and Research Centre. The successful candidate will apply multi-omics approach in the analysis of clinical trials data to perform polygenic and poly-methylation risk score analyses and develop risk prediction models.
The postholder will develop, maintain and run bioinformatics pipelines to analyse large genetic, epigenetic, clinical and lifestyle datasets of patients affected by motor neuron disease (MND) to investigate the genetic and epigenetic basis of MND. Such datasets include whole-genome sequencing, methylation arrays, SNP arrays and clinical information of over 10,000 individuals, the majority of whom are people with MND. Lifestyle and RNAseq data are also available for a subset.
The post holder will be expected to collaborate closely with members of the Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience.
The postholder should have experience in the development of genomic bioinformatics tools and methods. The postholder will also be expected to collaborate with the members of large international collaborations such as the EU JPND funded STRENGTH and BRAIN-MEND consortia and Project MinE.
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract until 30/09/23
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent
Key responsibilities
- Aid in the development of new neurodegenerative disease therapies by supporting the exploratory, pre-clinical, set-up, monitoring and archiving aspects of early phase 2 clinical trials
- Lead analyses and write scientific publications arising from the research, serving as first author.
- Ensure data collection and record keeping are conducted in a good scientific manner
- Perform polygenic risk score analyses and develop risk prediction models
- Develop, maintain and run bioinformatics pipelines and workflows focusing on DNA Next Generation sequencing data to support high quality research output.
- Conduct genetic and epigenetic analysis of neurodegenerative diseases
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
- Evidence of playing a key role in a leading-edge research project
- Experience of working with colleagues as part of team and collaboration with other groups
- Knowledge and use of version control systems (GitHub, Subversion, Bitbucket)
- Familiarity with biomedical research, preferably molecular biology, genetics or neuroscience
- Experience in epigenetics data research
Essential criteria
1. PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. bioinformatics or computer science) or equivalent experience in relevant area.
2. Up to date knowledge of next generation sequencing (DNA and/or RNA-seq) pipelines.
3. Ability to use and develop bioinformatics tools for large scale data analysis, integration, mining and visualization.
Desirable criteria
1.Programming in at least one language on a Linux platform (e.g Python, Java, Bash, Perl, R)
2.Knowledge and use of version control systems (GitHub, Subversion, Bitbucket)
Further information
Communication & Networking:
• To have the necessary skills to generate and present power point-based presentations of work undertaken and data obtained
• To be able to write up experiments and results in scientific manner
• To maintain an up-to-date lab book
Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving:
• To deal with problems effectively as they arise
• To demonstrate appropriate time management techniques
• To ensure compliance with protocol guidelines and research governance
• To make decisions and use resources and facilities in an appropriate manner
• To demonstrate initiative, autonomy and self-motivation
• To work independently but under the supervision of the more senior members of the group
• To work within tight time constraints and deliver work on time according to predetermined deadlines
Analysis & Research:
• Continue to update knowledge and develop skills through team meetings, work experience and training courses
• To contribute to writing up research for publication
• To be able to analyse and interpret data to inform others of the outcome of experiments
• To have knowledge of software such as R, SPSS (or similar), and genetics analysis tools
• To use cluster computing for research and general administration using scientific Linux
Team Work, Teaching & Learning Support:
• Attend and contribute to regular lab meetings
• Work with colleagues on joint projects as required
• Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest
Sensory/Physical Demands & Work Environment:
• To travel across London as required
• Balance 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
