View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist - LMS 905

The London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) is an institute funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and is a division of the Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. 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 established clinical base of Imperial College. For more information, visit www.lms.mrc.ac.uk.

Overall purpose:

The Computational Regulatory Genomics Group studies gene regulation at the genome-wide level using methods of computational genomics and epigenomics. The group is now also applying experimental techniques and developed the first low-input cap analysis of gene expression methodology to allow mapping promoters and enhancers from as little as 1000 cells. The interests of the group range from investigating sequence signals and chromatin organisation at core promoter regions to revealing rules of communication between core promoter and distal regulatory elements and how they give rise to elaborate spatio-temporal expression patterns in development. The group has a track record of excellence and innovation in computational genomics and is applying and developing experimental techniques, with numerous publications in top-tier journals and extensive international collaboration. For more information, visit https://lms.mrc.ac.uk/research-group/computational-regulatory-genomics/.

We are looking for two skilled and ambitious postdoctoral researchers, with a background in comparative genomics, promoter analysis, experimental functional genomics or a related field. The candidates should have a strong publication record indicating potential for independent high-impact research, as well as in-depth knowledge of molecular biology and evidence of knowledge in programming and analysis of genomics data. Experience with R/Bioconductor programming is a strong plus. The posts are open for candidates wishing to pursue a career in computational genomics in collaboration with experimental researchers, and to candidates who wish to combine experimental and computational approaches in their own work.

The post holders will investigate the mechanism, sequence and epigenetic signatures of long-range developmental regulation, promoter function and enhancer:promoter communication, using state-of-the-art existing methods of computational and/or experimental genomics and developing new innovative approaches. He/she will work with the network of collaborators of Lenhard group and be expected to establish an independent research topic within the general scope of the group’s scientific interests.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

• Original research contributions to the core program of the Computational Regulatory Genomics Group
• Establish an independent research topic within the general scope of the group’s scientific interests
• Contribution toward the functioning of group’s computational infrastructure and development of algorithms and software
• Active participation in training of the staff and students by providing advice and information to PhD and MSc students in the group
• Possible direct supervision of PhD or MSc students (max. one at a time)

The appointee will:

1)    Conduct research as part of the group’s core program

2)    Develop and independently conduct their own research topic within the group’s core program

3)    Analyse, manage, communicate and publish data and software tools

4)    Take an active part in the academic activities of the Computational Regulatory Genomics group including group meetings, group journal clubs, training and organisational aspects

5)    Take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS, including journal clubs and seminar presentations

6)    Present original results at national and international scientific meetings

This is an MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist position to support post-doctoral scientists in early or changed career training and help establish them as successful research scientists in their chosen field. We offer a highly attractive benefits package including competitive salary and pension scheme.

Working relationships:

The post-holder will report directly to the head of the group, Professor Boris Lenhard.

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

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent) in computational biology, functional genomics, molecular biology or a related discipline

Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application and at interview):

Essential:

• Strong publication record, including first-author papers, and evidence of ability to write scientific papers independently
• Background in functional genomics, comparative genomics, computational epigenomics or computational analysis of gene regulation
• For candidates wishing to combine experimental and computational approaches: proficiency in molecular biology techniques and experience in functional genomics methodology (e.g. ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, CAGE-seq, Hi-C, Gro-seq or related techniques)
• For candidates wishing to focus on computational genomics approaches: evidence of proficiency in at least one general programming language (Python or C/C++ are preferred) and experience with programming and analysis of next generation sequencing data in R/Bioconductor

Desirable:

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  For candidates wishing to combine experimental and computational approaches: experience in programming and analysis of next generation sequencing data in R/Bioconductor Contribution to the development and standardisation of analysis methods, generating pipelines and processes for reproducible research

• For candidates wishing to focus on computational genomics approaches: experience with computational analysis of genomic regulatory elements, gene expression or transcriptional regulatory networks

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

Essential:

• Knowledge of molecular biology and genomics
• Knowledge of eukaryotic gene regulation
• Experience with extraction and analysis of genome-wide data from ArrayExpress, GEO, Ensembl and/or UCSC Genome Browser

Desirable:

• Knowledge of applications of statistics in molecular biology, genomics or population genetics
• Applications of machine learning, Bayesian data analysis and linear algebra in computational biology

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

Essential:

• High level of motivation and drive, and the desire to become an independent investigator
• Evidence of ability to organise and conduct complex research projects
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work effectively with researchers from different fields (computer scientists to experimental biologists) ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability and eagerness to learn new concepts and acquire new skills in biology and computing quickly, and to seek novel and creative solutions to scientific problems
• Willingness to share knowledge and skills with other members of the group on a daily basis

Please submit your CV and a research statement not longer than two pages, submitted as a separate document. The research statement should outline 1) your most important achievements to date and 2) a brief vision of your present research interests and future career. Optionally, the applicants can submit a brief research proposal if they have one.

*Salary quoted is inclusive of London weighting. 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.