Genomic Data Manager/Bioinformatician

Understanding Society  is a flagship ESRC initiative. This longitudinal household survey interviews everyone in its core sample and their household members annually, starting with a sample of 40,000 households across the four countries of the UK and includes ethnic minority and immigrant boost samples and the former BHPS sample. It collects detailed information about different domains of people’s lives including genomics, biomarkers and direct health measures. In particular the Understanding Society genomics team works closely with the Genomics and Computational Biology group in the School of Life Sciences for the measurement of the methylome. The study is an invaluable data resource for researchers and analysts across various disciplines in Social Science, Humanities and Health & Social Care faculties enabling multi-topic multi and inter-disciplinary research.

Duties of the Role

The Understanding Society dataset is a key resource funded by the ESRC that is at the forefront of health and social science. Through this appointment, Understanding Society is seeking to develop, manage and share widely its genomic data resources.

The overall purpose of this role is to advance our genomic data resource comprising data for a nationally representative household panel study recently funded to supplement and re-collect biological data from participants.

The post holder will be part of the health research group at ISER which includes multidisciplinary staff with an interest in health research and a strong group of postgraduate (Soc-B) students creating a vibrant environment for research in the field.

You will lead genomic data management and data sharing, aiming to improve the analytical capabilities of the study’s wide ranging data user base enabling new interdisciplinary and biomedical research.

Additionally, you will be part of Understanding Society’s Data Team, which serves to liaise between IT, data processing and research staff within ISER, the School of Life Sciences and the external user community. The post is therefore, at the interface between data production and research, playing a vital role in supporting users and enhancing the usability of the data. You will provide expert advice to researchers and data analysts on utilising Understanding Society genomic data, as well as advising the study’s Data team about creating datasets and derived variables for specific user groups.

A full list of duties can be found within the job pack.

Qualifications and Skills required

Applicants will have a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant data science or statistics discipline, or equivalent expertise/experience.

The role requires experience in handling and manipulating genomic datasets and expertise in data management of linked data and a knowledge of genomic analysis methods. A proven track record of proficiency in the use of standard computational tools of statistical genetics and advanced programming experience with scripting languages (Python, R, PLINK, SAMTOOLS) is also essential.

Whilst this is a full-time post, we would also welcome part-time applications at a minimum of 21.6 hours per week. Please state clearly on your application the contract type for which you are applying.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the skills, qualifications and experience needed. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

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