Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateCardiff School of BiosciencesAdvertPost-Doctoral Research Associate in Computational Biology
Department/School: School of BiosciencesWe are seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Bioinformatician for a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of microbial genomics and national defence. As part of the GHOST project, funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the postholder will help develop advanced bioinformatics tools to detect engineered pathogens through investigation of anomalous genomic signals. This role offers an exciting chance to work in the new and impactful field of Microbial Forensics.The postholder will contribute to the development and testing computational tools for detecting Genomic Hallmarks of Synthetic and Transposable elements (GHOSTs), support the integration of these tools into national biosurveillance systems, and collaborate with public health and defence stakeholders to enhance the UK’s readiness for biological threats.The successful applicant will have a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field, with proven expertise in ‘omics data analysis and statistical modelling. Strong programming skills in one or more of the following languages: python, nextflow, R, C++, and experience working in Linux environments are essential.For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Arthur Morris at morrisa28@cardiff.ac.uk.This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term until 30th November 2026 and is available from 2nd June 2025.The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.Salary: £40,497- £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It’s an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter. Business needs will require some degree of office-based working but the balance of time can be spent in the office or remotely (subject to agreement with the line manager).Date advert posted: Friday, 11 July 2025Closing date: Friday, 25 July 2025Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Cardiff 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: .Post Reference Number20136BRJob DescriptionJOB PURPOSETo conduct research within Microbial Bioinformatics and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESResearch

• To conduct research within Microbial Bioinformatics and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• 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 research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• 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

Specific Duties

• To build bioinformatic pipelines for application to microbial forensics.
• To investigate the distribution of potential signatures of engineering (such as Mobile Genetic Elements, INDELs, etc) across key pathogen taxa.

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, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to 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.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Salary Range Max.45,413GradeGrade 6Salary Range Min.40,497Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchCareer PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationIMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.Essential CriteriaQualifications and Education * Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or equivalent or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience * An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

• Bioinformatics
• Statistical modelling
• Knowledge of current status of research in Bioinformatics
• Proven ability to publish in national or international journals.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working * Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other * Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

• Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria * Relevant professional qualification(s)- if applicable please specify

• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
• Experience working with microbial NGS data.
• Experience developing pipelines for application in public health or defence.

Expected salary

£40497 – 45413 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 23:18:59 GMT

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