BIO18 - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Genomics and Bioinformatics (13 months FTC)

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School of Biomedical Sciences
Salary:  

£32,800 to £47,014 per annum

Release Date:  

Tuesday 16 January 2024

Closing Date:  

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Interview Date:  

To be confirmed

Reference:  

BIO18

The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2023. 

We were also named University of the Year for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, being described by the editor as “regularly among the top-performing universities” and proving that “it is possible for a London-based institution to achieve outstanding levels of student satisfaction beyond other universities”.   

*University status awarded in or after 1992 

The University of West London (UWL) is recognised for its research on improving human health and wellbeing in addition to providing excellent research environments. In the past three years UWL has heavily invested in the state-of-the-art equipment enabling the conduct of world leading research. Working synergistically with external partners, UWL provides a nurturing research environment, leadership and support in wide areas of activity, including leading and co-leading projects supported by the Innovate UK, UKRI and other charitable and international funding agencies.  UWL provides a nurturing environment, and support for all staff.   

School of Biomedical Sciences 

At the School of Biomedical Sciences (SBS) we continue to produce research of the highest quality that is world leading and excellent. This is achieved through academic and industry partnerships and internationally competitive consortia. It is particularly focused on nurturing multidisciplinary research.  

The Microbiomes, Health and Environment group addresses problems that require concrete global actions, including emerging infectious diseases, climate change and antimicrobial resistance.  

The Role  

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate post to join Prof Mkrtchyan’s research group (The Microbiomes, Health and Environment group) within the School of Biomedical Sciences, UWL. Climate change presents a global crisis that impacts people, environments, and economies worldwide. It is unarguably an existential threat to humanity. To halt warming, we will need to reduce emissions by 75% and massively increase biodiversity across the planet. For our food chain, this means eliminating emissions wherever possible and finding sustainable sources of protein for human and animal feed without water and land needs. The successful applicant will work on Innovate UK/BBSRC funded research programme that is focused on creating technology and infrastructure that can unlock the potential of seaweed in the global battle against climate change. This particular project will investigate the inclusion of seaweed in broiler finisher and its impact on gut microbiome with special emphasis on changes in gut microbiome diversity, enteric pathogens and AMR carriage using whole genome and metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses.  

The postholder will design experiments, interpret data, draft manuscripts, monitor adherence to timescales, interact with external collaborators as necessary, share and publicise data, contribute to training of PhD students and visiting researchers, attend conferences and other outreach events. S(he) will be encouraged to develop research objectives and proposals, identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds. 

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor Hermine Mkrtchyan ([email protected]) 

The Person 

The successful applicant should ideally have a PhD in Microbiology, Genetics or Bioinformatics related research. Applicants must have experience in next generation sequencing and analysis. Applicants must also have excellent communication skills and a very high level of written and spoken English. 

How to Apply  

To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0  

Please email [email protected]   if you need any assistance with the application process. 

Additional Information  

Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl  

We welcome applications from individuals who do not have a fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Should you be successful and do not hold an HEA fellowship you will be asked to complete one within 2 years of appointment as a condition of your continued employment. Depending on eligibility this may take the form of an advanced Level 7 apprenticeship in teaching which means that you will spend 20% of your work in off-the-job study. 

Our department/school is under-represented in terms of staff from BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer as well as a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.  

Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point. 

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field with a demonstrable track record of research within the field.  

We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time.  

The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.

Further details: