Data Scientist/Bioinformatician

Job Purpose

To make a leading data analysis and/or bioinformatic contribution to the project ‘Somatic instability in Huntington disease’ working with Prof. Darren Monckton. Prof Monckton’s team use targeted and whole genome sequencing of large patient cohorts, combined with other molecular and clinical data, to understand the genome-wide genetic variants of Huntington disease onset, severity and progression, with a particular focus on the role of somatic repeat expansion. The successful candidate will join an ongoing research program to provide statistical and data analysis support to the research team. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research reports, publications, and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support research within the group to further our understanding of the genetic basis of Huntington disease variability.

2. Acquire and assemble relevant datasets; perform bioinformatic and data analyses analysis using appropriate statistical tests and interpret the results.

3. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting regular progress reports for funders.

4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/Monckton group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5. Contribute towards developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, international funders, and academic colleagues.

6. Develop personal skills, training, and experience for career advancement.

7. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

8. Present research at international and national conferences, and at internal and external seminars, to develop and enhance our research profile.

9. Contribute to the supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

11. Enhance the University’s international profile in line with its Strategic Plan, “Inspiring People; Changing the World”.

For appointment at grade 7:

12.Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

13.  Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

14. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Qualifications

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical experience of bioinformatics and/or statistical analyses.

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of human genetics research and contemporary molecular biology research methods.

For appointment at Grade 7:

Essential:

A4. An awarded Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

Desirable (for Grade 6):

B1. An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

or

B2. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent, or current enrolment as a postgraduate research student in a relevant specialism.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1. Data analysis/interpretation skills including extensive IT and some bioinformatics skills.

C2. Expertise in data visualisation.

C3. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including ability to communicate complex and/or large volume data clearly and concisely to a varied audience, including non-statisticians.

C4. Excellent inter-personal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C5. Appropriate workload and prioritisation skills, including the ability to balance competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.

C6. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C7. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

C8. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

C9. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments, and drafting of papers.

Desirable:

D1. Expertise in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

D2. Detailed knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Experience of working with the statistical package ‘R’.

E2. Experience of analysing DNA sequence variants or DNA sequencing data.

E3. Experience of statistical analysis, handling high volume, complex and/or sensitive data.

E4. Experience of interpreting the requirements of others and generating high quality work to meet research objectives.

E5. Experience of working collaboratively with others towards a common goal.

E6. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

E7. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E8. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E9. Experience in undertaking independent research.

E10. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support replication.

E11. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Desirable:

F1. Experience in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

F2. Experience of human genetics research including genome wide association studies and/or whole genome sequencing.

F2. Experience of research into Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and related disorders.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024/£39,347 - £44,263 per annum

This post is full time, and is funded until 31 May 2025 in first instance.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.