Research Associate - Bioinformatics

Job Purpose

The post-holder will contribute to a Blood Research UK-funded project “Molecular Insights into Clonal Haematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential” held by Dr Kristina Kirschner . The “dry” part of the project is to informatically investigate the molecular evolution of clonal haemopoiesis and link this information to the rich outcomes in the Lothian Birth Cohorts. The job requires bioinformatic, database, web authoring and programming skills for this 3-year project. The overall objective is to interrogate transcriptomic data longitudinally to allow identification of new potentially selective clonal haemopoiesis pathways that might be targets for disease eradication.

The post is based at the CRUK Beatson Institute and will run alongside a ‘wet’ biologist, in charge of genomic and functional assays.

The successful candidate will be expected to drive research to provide high-profile publications from the work, in addition to providing data analysis for Helgason lab members.

This is a prime opportunity to join a friendly and highly-research active group in one of the UK’s top Universities and Cancer Research Institutes. The post-holder will have the opportunity to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals/fellowships as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project, as opportunities allow.

The post-holder will drive data integration approaches from different sources such as single cell omics, bulk RNA-seq and ATAC-Seq and DNA sequencing and develop analysis pipelines. The post-holder will establish new bioinformatics data analysis methods as required and communicate developments in the field of genomics and haematology to the local research community and at national and international conferences. The post-holder will support the Principal Investigator in organization, management and day-to-day running of data generated in the laboratory. The post-holder will be responsible for management of good data storage practices, adherence to relevant regulation (for example human data), methods development, SOPs, budget management and appropriate record keeping. The post-holder provide in-depth bioinformatics based technical support to members of the Kirschner lab with Dr Kirschner supervising the work. Line management will be provided by Professor Seth Coffelt.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the provision of technical advice and carry out single cell transcriptomic and genomic data analysis using detailed technical knowledge and specialist expertise, and collate results for interpretation.

2. To establish novel single cell omics and genomic data analysis methods in the lab as appropriate and keep up and communicate developments in the field of genomics.

3. Instruct, train and provide guidance to other research staff and students in the techniques as directed by the Principal Investigator.

4. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

5. To work with the Principal Investigator in the planning and design of the research projects, providing specialist technical input as required.

6. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint 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.

7. To provide specialized expertise in bioinformatics data analysis, including experimental design for isolation of cell populations, and establishment of data integration methods.

8. To plan and organise the resources required for the delivery of the project.

9. Apply working knowledge of theory and practice, and share this knowledge with others as appropriate.

10. Demonstrate continuous specialist development by acquiring relevant skills and   competencies through participation in internal or external activities and attending relevant conferences and meetings.

11.  Carry out risk assessments as required under the direction of the Principal Investigator.

12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as required by the PI.

13. Undertake Health and Safety Duties as required within the School of Cancer Sciences.

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

15. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in haematology and omics approaches.

16. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

17. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and development of the service.

18. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

19. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

20. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

21. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

22. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

23. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

24. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Qualifications / Knowledge

Essential

A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a  similar or related role(s)

Skills

Essential

C1 Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions of bioinformatics

C2 Knowledge of single cell-specific technical data analysis

C3 Sufficient depth of single cell omics data integration, normally including sufficient  experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

C4 Extensive theoretical knowledge/skills in molecular and next generation sequencing.

C5 Willingness and enthusiasm to set up new techniques and skills.

C6 High level of specialist knowledge in bioinformatics, data integration, single cell omics and next generation sequencing that is constantly being updated.

C7 Up to date knowledge of data storage safety procedures

C8 Comprehensive understanding of the Health & Safety legislation relating to the discipline.

C9 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C10 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C11 The ability to impart skills to a wide range of staff groups with diverse backgrounds, when required.

C12 Independence, and excellent time planning and project management skills

C13 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

C14 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C15 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable

D1 Knowledge of mathematical modelling approaches.

D2 Good knowledge and understanding of how to record data analysis.

D3 Good knowledge of data analysis pipeline development.

Experience

Essential

E1 Relevant bioinformatics work experience and Experience in undertaking independent research.

E2 Experience in all aspects of data storage safety and maintenance of appropriate records.

E3 Experience in genomics data analysis techniques and next generation sequencing, single cell omics data analysis and data integration.

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E6 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E7 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

Desirable

F1 Experience with mathematical modelling approaches.

F3 Experience in with advanced bioinformatics and pipeline generation.

F4 Experience of scientific writing

F5 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

F6 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding until 30 April 2026.

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.