The postholder will develop bioinformatics and machine learning methods to analyze large multi-omics datasets of patients affected by MND and controls. There will be a specific focus on the development of methods that can stratify MND patients into molecular and clinical subtypes, and that can identify novel biomarkers. The datasets available to the fellow will include whole-genome sequencing, methylation arrays, SNP arrays and clinical information of over 10,000 individuals, the majority of whom are MND patients. Lifestyle and RNAseq data are also available for a subset (several hundreds of samples) from biobanks and trials.
This post will be based at the Department of Biostatistics & Health Informatics at King’s College London within the Bioinformatics team led by Dr Alfredo Iacoangeli, and will be part of the MND Research Institute (ukmndri.org). The postholder will also be expected to build upon current collaborations between the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (www.sheffield.ac.uk/sitran) and London in addition to collaborating with the members of large international consortia such as the EU JPND funded STRENGTH, Brain-MEND, Precision ALS and Project MinE consortia (www.projectmine.com).
Key Objectives
- To develop a bioinformatics and machine learning methods to analyze large multi-omics datasets of patients affected by MND and controls.
- To develop methods that can stratify MND patients in molecular and clinical subtypes, and to identify novel biomarkers.
About The Health Informatics Group[https://phidatalab.org and Dr Iacoangeli www.kcl.ac.uk/people/alfredo-iacoangeli%5D(https://phidatalab.org and Dr Iacoangeli www.kcl.ac.uk/people/alfredo-iacoangeli )
About the Faculty and Department of Biostatistics & Health Informatics
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience | King’s College London (kcl.ac.uk)
Biostatistics & Health Informatics | School of Mental Health & Psychological Sciences | King’s College London (kcl.ac.uk)
This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract until 31 August 2025.
Key responsibilities
Technical
- Aid in the development of bioinformatics and machine learning pipelines for the analysis of large omics datasets
- Aid in omics data handling, data integration with existing datasets, quality control, and bioinformatics analysis
- Attend meetings and conferences to present details of research findings and thereby enhance the national and international standing of the project.
- Contribute to the supervision of other team members including PhD students and research assistants
Communication & Networking
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, bioinformaticians, biostatisticians, clinicians, scientists and support staff within the bioinformatics unit and the MND Research Institute, as well as other related organizations, and develop good working relationships.
- Communicate complex information both orally and in writing, including instructions and surveys for study participants.
Decision Making, Planning And Problem Solving
- Participation in the strategic planning of the future MND studies.
- The post holder will be responsible for day-to-day decisions on the project and will be expected to consult their line manager when making major decisions.
Analysis & Research
- Continue to update knowledge and develop skills through team meetings, work experience and training courses
- To contribute to writing up research for publication
- To be able to analyse and interpret data to inform others of the outcome of experiments
- To have knowledge of software such as R, SPSS (or similar), and genetics analysis tools
- To use cluster computing for research and general administration using scientific Linux
Teamwork, Teaching & Learning Support
- Attend and contribute to regular lab meetings
- Work with colleagues on joint projects as required
- Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest
Sensory/Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Balance the competing pressures of research and deadlines.
- Be aware of health and safety in the work environment.
- All staff members must strictly follow the College’s Health & Safety regulations.
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.Essential CriteriaSkills, knowledge, and experience
- PhD or equivalent experience in relevant areas (e.g. bioinformatics, machine learning or computer science)
- UpToDate knowledge of NGS (DNA and RNA-seq) pipelines
- UpToDate knowledge of machine learning methods
- Programming in at least one language (Python, Java, Bash, Perl, R)
- Proficient in Unix based systems
- Publication record commensurate with grade
- Experience in scientific writing
- Excellent interpersonal & communication (written & verbal) skills
- The ability to work independently and without direct supervision
- Research experience in Neuroscience
Desirable criteria
- Research experience in Motor Neurone Disease
- Experience in grant writing
Please note that this is a PhD level role but for candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
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