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View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2158
The 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 established clinical base of Imperial College.
For more information, visit www.lms.mrc.ac.uk.
Overall purpose:
The research programme in the Computational Regulatory Genomics group, led by Professor Boris Lenhard, focuses on the study of gene regulation at the whole-genome level using methods of computational genomics and epigenomics. The group investigates promoter structure and classification, promoter: enhancer interaction, and long-range regulation, using and developing computational methods.
Main Responsibilities:
We are looking for a talented and highly skilled postdoctoral researcher with a background in the analysis of genomic and epigenomic data or a related field. The candidate should have a record of accomplishments indicating the ability to perform analysis, visualisation and dissemination of data produced by high-throughput sequencing, as well as in-depth knowledge of molecular biology. The candidate is expected to have proficiency in programming and analysis of genomics data and the design of analysis pipelines. The knowledge of UNIX administration is a plus.
The main aim of the project is to shed light on the molecular mechanisms driving developmental gene regulation, or how enhancers, especially long-range ones, specifically activate some genes but not others within a given developmental regulatory domain. This will be done using an integrative approach, whereby genome-wide measurements of enhancer and promoter activity across a wide range of biological contexts are combined with information about 3D genome organisation and non-coding conservation to map regulatory enhancer-promoter interactions. More specifically, this position will involve the processing, statistical analysis, and visualisation of functional genomics data, such as cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C and Micro-C) data, using both existing and in-house-developed computational tools.
The post is a unique opportunity to work on developing and applying cutting-edge approaches for genome-wide data processing and integration in one of the leading research environments in Europe and the world. The post holder will have the opportunity to work with a worldwide network of collaborators, attend scientific conferences, and publish the results of their work in top journals.
Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
- PhD (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetics or a related field
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Computational analysis of genomic sequences
- Bioinformatics programming in R/Bioconductor
Desirable:
- Statistical modelling
- High-performance computing
- Comparative or evolutionary computational genomics
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Advanced theoretical knowledge of molecular biology
- Sufficient understanding of different functional genomics approaches
- Applied statistics
- Good written communication skills in English, ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
Desirable:
- Developmental gene regulation; enhancer-promoter communication
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities (will be assessed at interview):
Essential:
- Computer programming abilities
- Writing reports and research articles
- Team work
- Good verbal communication skills in English
Desirable:
- System administration of Linux servers
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and 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.