Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

AdvertPlease note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment.Research Associate – Computational
Division of Biomedicine, School of Biosciences, Cardiff UniversityWe are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and passionate computational biologist / postdoctoral fellow to join our team as part of the UKRI-funded Future Leader Fellowship project investigating epigenetic regulation of lung fibrosis led by Dr Renata Jurkowska at the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University.You will work closely with a PhD student and an experimental/wet-lab postdoc and play a key role in advancing our research efforts, with a primary focus on data mining and integration to address complex bioinformatics and biomedical problems in the context of chronic lung diseases. Specifically, you will develop computational approaches for data analysis and integrate various omics data from healthy and diseased lungs across disease stages to identify changes associated with disease development and progression.The ideal candidate may hold a PhD degree in biology, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related field, and possess strong programming skills. Rich experience in bioinformatics, including but not limited to NGS data analysis, epigenomics, multi-omics, and integration of complex datasets. Nevertheless, we are open to different types of profiles, including those from the industry.This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and fixed term until 31st May 2028.Secondment opportunity welcome – please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.Salary: £40,247 – £45,163 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.Please contact Renata Jurkowska (JurkowskaR@cardiff.ac.uk) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.Closing date; Friday, 17 January 2025Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff UniversityApplications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Job DescriptionResearch

• To play a leading role in a research project identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the severity and progression of chronic lung diseases by using various omics profiling datasets.
• To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in international academic journals and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare data management plans and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in the Group’s and School’s research activities, including attending seminars and contributing to group meetings and journal clubs.
• To take responsibility for group running by assuming a share of group responsibilities
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area (Computer Science / Molecular Biology / Statistics / Bioinformatics or an equivalent discipline) or relevant industrial experienceKnowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields with a keen interest in applying existing skills and knowledge to drive the present project:

• Bioinformatics in complex (epi)genetic and/or genomic analyses
• Mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in diseases
• Chronic lung diseases or cancer

3. Evidenced experience of the following techniques:
I. Strong programming skills (Experience in using R, UNIX/Linux, Perl (or Python) scripting, use of high-performance computing cluster)
ii. Manipulation and analysis of large biological datasets in different data formats (single cell and bulk RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylomes, WGS)
iii. Integration and biostatistical evaluation of complex multi-omics datasets4. Evidence of deep knowledge of the current status of research in Epigenetics, Genomics, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, in the field of human diseases and excellent general knowledge of neighbouring research fields, with an understanding of how they may relate in the context of this research.
5. Proven ability to publish in international journals and/or other research outputs (e.g. software).
6. Evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects and research supervision, as indicators that such attributes can be brought to bear on the present project.
7. Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding.
8. Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to work independently, prioritize your work, and meet deadlines within the framework of an agreed program.Communication and Team Working
9. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication in English in writing, orally and in visual presentations
10. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individualsDesirable Criteria1. Relevant experience or knowledge of databases and software used in epigenomics and epidemiology, and pipeline development for the analysis of epigenomic data
2. Proven ability to work without close supervision
3. A willingness to take responsibility for project-related administration.
4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School and University.

Expected salary

£40247 – 45163 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 23:33:44 GMT

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