Research Associate Bioinformatics

Role Description

Department

The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is ranked 20th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS rankings. We are based in both the King’s Manor in the heart of the historic city of York and at Heslington West campus. Our vibrant community consists of over 100 staff and over 600 students, with growing international representation. We carry out international, impact-oriented and interdisciplinary teaching and research of the highest quality through our strong network of partnerships. The student experience is of paramount importance to the Department and we maintain a high level of student satisfaction.  Equality, diversity and inclusion are at our core and we promote a collegial environment in which staff and students feel supported and valued. We are proud of our Athena Swan Bronze Award and strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel.

Role

This Research Associate will play an instrumental role in HIDDEN FRONTIERS, a NERC-funded project which aims to understand the history of agriculture, crop replacement and plant adaptation in the circum-Alpine region from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The project brings together experts in archaeobotany, palaeogenomics and palaeoenvironmental/palaeoclimatic modelling to investigate how specific crops and wider agricultural systems responded to cultural and environmental changes. Further information on the HIDDEN FRONTIERS project and team members is available at https://sites.google.com/york.ac.uk/hidden-frontiers

This three-year post is designed to develop a diverse career profile for a researcher with a bioinformatics background. The successful candidate will have knowledge of bioinformatic software and experience of analysing genome-wide datasets, preferably ancient DNA datasets, and will be eager to be trained in ancient DNA laboratory methods. The candidate will partake in all steps of the project, helping build a unique profile to pursue a wide range of future opportunities. Specifically, the Research Associate is expected to:

• Following detailed training, extract ancient DNA from archaeological specimens, prepare high-throughput DNA sequencing libraries and perform targeted enrichment experiments
• Process palaeogenomic datasets using a range of bioinformatic tools
• Following detailed training, integrate ancient DNA data with palaeoenvironmental/palaeoclimatic data to investigate adaptation
• Present at international conferences to diverse audiences
• Lead peer-reviewed papers

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in archaeology, bioinformatics, genetics or other relevant discipline
• PhD in ancient DNA analysis, bioinformatics, genetics, biochemistry and/or a relevant field of archaeological science or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of bioinformatics to engage in high quality research
• Experience analysing genomic datasets with bioinformatic tools

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Nathan Wales at nathan.wales@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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