MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Data Science LMS - 2023

Open Date
07/12/2022, 12:30
Close Date
08/01/2023, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) is an Institute funded by the MRC and is a Division of the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College. Based on the Hammersmith Hospital Campus in West London (W12), the LMS has first class facilities and provides investigators from clinical and basic science backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue innovative, multidisciplinary research within the excellence of Imperial College. For more information, visit www.lms.mrc.ac.uk.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 4
London
35,143 plus London allowances (£3,727 & £1,402) per annum
Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 lump sum Settlement Allowance plus a yearly Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, paid in monthly instalments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two, and £1,800 in the third year.
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time
3 years

The Computational Cardiac Imaging Group works at the intersection of clinical imaging, bioinformatics, computer vision and molecular cardiology to explore the mechanisms underlying heart function. The group uses machine learning to analyse cardiac motion for predicting patient outcomes, discovering potential therapeutic targets and identifying genetic risk factors. We use a flexible and inter-disciplinary approach to research that moves between individuals, populations and model organisms.

We are seeking a talented postdoctoral scientist with a background in data science. The post holder will be a key member of our team developing databases, analysis pipelines and advanced visualisations for populations with imaging and genomic data. The work will involve developing sophisticated data modelling and genetic association pipelines using complex image-derived traits.   

Candidates will have a background in data science and expertise in managing and analysing large datasets, developing bioinformatics pipelines and working with visualisation software. The post offers an exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of translational medicine research in a vibrant and supportive multi-disciplinary team that crosses traditional scientific domains. The post holder will have the opportunity to liaise with an extensive network of collaborators, attend scientific conferences, and publish the results of their work in leading journals. There is also a vibrant and supportive post-doc community at the LMS with outstanding opportunities for career development and training.


Key skills:

  • Background in biomedical data science
  • Experience of using large databases and data wrangling
  • Excellent programming skills in R and Python – including use of Jupyter Notebooks and cloud computing resources
  • Knowledge of HPC environments, Git and Docker an advantage
  • Working knowledge of bioinformatics packages also an advantage

Main Responsibilities:

  • To develop and manage data processing pipelines in UK Biobank and other resources.
  • To deploy and create Jupyter Notebook analyses on DNAnexus Platform
  • To manage large datasets including imaging and genomic resources
  • To lead on curation and version control of analysis software using Git and Docker
  • To develop innovative solutions to imaging-genetic problems
  • To work on visualisation software including R Shiny, Paraview, or D3.js
  • To collaborate closely with other members of the team and external partners on various projects.
  • To prepare work for publication and grant submissions
  • To present at seminars and conferences as necessary
  • To co-supervise MSc and PhD students
  • Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
  • To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
  • To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
  • To comply with the Institute, College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate
  • Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division

Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):  

Essential:

  • PhD (or equivalent experience) in Bioinformatics / Data Science or a closely related discipline 

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

  • Excellent skills in R and Python with proven ability in programming and handling large datasets
  • Previous experience of executing Jupyter Notebooks in local or cloud environments
  • Previous experience in biomedical data science, imaging or genomic research with a track record of relevant publications and presentations

Desirable:

  • Previous experience of DNAnexus or UKB Research Analysis Platform
  • Experience in writing Bash scripts and using Linux environments
  • Familiar with HPC scheduling and using Docker
  • Good knowledge of Git for version control
  • Knowledge of statistics including regression modelling and controlling for multiple testing
  • Experience of using bioinformatics packages and pipeline development
  • Experience of managing large databases and data wrangling
  • Track record of software development and package creation

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

Essential:

  • Ability to conduct reproducible research
  • Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
  • Ability to develop and apply new concepts
  • Creative approach to problem-solving
  • Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
  • Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
  • Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work
  • Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
  • Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the Internet
  • Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
  • Flexible attitude towards work
  • Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
  • Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
  • Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Applicants should submit a CV, a brief cover letter describing scientific interests and names and contacts of two scientific references
The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.