A bioinformatician with experience of the analysis of microarray datasets is sought for an exciting project to look at stratifying breast cancer patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatments. Building upon previous work, the study will involve integration and meta-analysis of large publicly available and local datasets to develop a clinical test that can be routinely used in the clinic. A first degree in biology, mathematics, computer science or related subjects and a higher degree (MSc, MRes or PhD) and/or relevant experience in bioinformatics with programming skills in R, Python or Perl are required. Previous experience of clinical/cancer studies or permutation-based analysis and high performance computing would be a distinct advantage.
The post is funded by an MRC Confidence in Concepts grant for an initial 6 to 9 months, but could be extended for at least another 12 months for the right candidate to work on related projects at the CRUK centre.Informal enquires to[email protected]
Introduction to the University of Edinburgh
Job Purpose
This MRC-funded post will perform permutation-based analysis of published gene expression datasets to establish how many robust molecular subtypes of breast cancer can be identified in order to better stratify patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatments.
Main Responsibilities
Analyse data generated from laboratory experiments or published datasets based upon research requirements. Monitor progress of experiments, analyse data and advise on the development of future experiments. Collaborate with members of the Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer research group to share and analyse datasets. Manage bioinformatics data archiving
Prepare, analyse, collate and interpret data for publication. Present results at scientific meetings and help write manuscripts for publication. Supervision of research students and apply for new research funding in collaboration with PIs
Provide assistance and advice in bioinformatics and statistics in support of members of the research team.
Planning and Organising
Collaborate with researchers and help guide their work through experimental design and analysis of bioinformatics results
Undertake bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of findings relevant to data generated as part of the overall endeavour of the group
Learn new skills in keeping with the diversity of the post
Undertake manipulations and archive data generated
Problem Solving
Solving technical and data analysis problems
Finding ways in which the group can work more efficiently, either by the introduction of software or the development of in-house pipelines
Ensuring that data and records are of the highest integrity
Using bioinformatics applications tailored to researchers needs
Decision Making
How to analyse and present bioinformatics information
How to set up and implement data management pipelines
How to analyse large, complex datasets
Prioritisation and allocation of time for different projects.
Identify what advice to give researchers, based on the research activity they are undertaking, and what they are trying to achieve, and advising on how to interpret results
Key Contacts/Relationships
Head of the research groups and other bioinformaticians and scientists
Other researchers in the Edinburgh Cancer Research Unit
Computing and bioinformatics staff in the School and in other relevant University establishments
Researchers in other centres and institutions out with The University of Edinburgh
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job
A first degree in biology, computer science or related subjects and a higher degree (MSc, MRes or PhD) or relevant experience in bioinformatics
Relevant experience
Experience in the development of bioinformatics applications working with gene based data, SNP data, microarray data and statistics
Experience in general bioinformatics and statistics with a background in studying microarrays (methylation arrays, expression arrays, array CGH), SNPs, sequencing, bioinformatics resources e.g. Ensembl, USCS genome browser, etc
Experience in programming (e.g. R, Perl, Python, C++, Java) to develop analysis techniques and pipelines for characterising novel datasets
Experience of working in a biological laboratory or in a bioinformatics environment
Good communication skills, in particular the ability to work productively with scientific researchers
Demonstrable organisational and time management skills
Dimensions
Work within the Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer research group but interact with other research groups in the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre and beyond, where required
Salary
The role is grade UE07 and attracts an annual salary of £31,342 to £37,394 for 35 hours each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.
This post is available on a fixed term basis, with a working pattern of 35 hours per week for 6-9 months initially.
Pension Scheme
This role is grade UE07 and therefore the post holder is automatically included in membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subject to the USS membership criteria, unless they indicate that they choose not to join the Scheme.
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview.
For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website
In the circumstances where the vacancy does not meet the UKBA advertising, salary and/or qualification level criteria for sponsorship the successful applicant must have the existing right to work in the UK.
All applicants should apply online by clicking the “apply” button at the foot of this page. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments. Closing date:05 December 2014 at 5pm.
Interview date
We anticipate interviews will be held in the week commencing [insert date]. You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.
The University reserves the right to vary the candidate information or make no appointment at all. Neither in part, nor in whole does this information form part of any contract between the University and any individual.
A bioinformatician with experience of the analysis of microarray datasets is sought for an exciting project to look at stratifying breast cancer patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatments. Building upon previous work, the study will involve integration and meta-analysis of large publicly available and local datasets to develop a clinical test that can be routinely used in the clinic.
