Research Fellow at University of Birmingham

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322. With potential progression once in post to £42,792 a year 

Grade 7 

Full time/Fixed Term Contract until 31st October 2023 with potential to extend. 

Closing date – 15th September 2021

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with both bioinformatics and field biology experience.  Applicants must hold a PhD-degree and evidence of bioinformatics experience is critical, ideally at postdoc level. The candidate will be required to  (i)understand theoretical underpinnings of sequence alignment algorithms for next generation sequencing (NGS) data; (ii) have proven experience in NGS analysis and comparative genomics (experience of RNA-seq, Chip-seq or metabolomics data also useful); (iii) have knowledge of data visualization methods and of bioinformatics resources such as annotation tools and databases; (iv) have knowledge of methods and approaches for data integration; and a strong statistical genetics background.

The position will also offer a potential opportunity for Antarctic field research to acquire samples from different locations. Consequently, experience of working independently in field setting, ideally insect biology related, is highly desirable. This element will mainly be supported by our project partners at BAS with the collection sites on Bird Island/South Georgia in the sub-Antarctic. However, there is also scope to undertake field research with our collaborators in the USA/Palmer Station Antarctica, Chile/Puerto Williams or France/Crozet Island.

Facilities: The Hayward “Insect Molecular physiology” lab is based within the School of Biosciences at UoB. This lab is next door to the state of the art Functional Genomics Facility, which is part of a large recent investment in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) at UoB. The University also has a high performance computing cluster (BlueBEAR, www.bear.bham.ac.uk ), which is powered by approx. 2000 cores with 100Gb EDR Infiniband interconnect; all tightly coupled with the wider BEAR including the Research Data Store (RDS). The position with be co-supervised by Prof Pete Convey at BAS, offering access to specialist research facilities and the extensive polar library at BAS HQ in Cambridge.

The project: This is an NSF-NERC funded project investigating mechanisms of adaptation to terrestrial Antarctica through comparative physiology and genomics of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic Insects.  We have recently sequenced the genome of the sub-Antarctic midge, Eretmoptera murphyi and the postdoc will begin by undertaking a detailed analysis of this genome, and then comparing it with a previously sequenced Antarctic sister-species, Belgica antarctica, as well as other species being collected as part of the project. 

The project also emphasizes outreach and education, and the postdoc will be required to contribute to these activities.

Person Specification

  •  BSc and PhD in relevant discipline or working towards. Ideally some postdoc experience in bioinformatics,
  •  High level analytical capability
  •  Ability to communicate complex information clearly
  •  Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
  •  Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
  •  Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
  •  Contribute to the planning and organising of the research project
  •  Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit our careers website; bham.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en&portal=101430233, please quote Job Ref 95184 

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