Research Associate (Bioinformatics)

Research Associate (Bioinformatics)

16228BR

School of Medicine

Research

Advert

Research Associate (Bioinformatics)
Division of Cancer and Genetics
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position to work on telomeres and genome stability in the laboratory of Professor Duncan Baird based in the Division of Cancer and Genetics at Cardiff University. The research in the laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanistic basis of fusion between short dysfunctional telomeres, how this process drives genomic instability and facilitates clonal evolution during the progression to malignancy in human cells.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to conduct bioinformatics-based research in the area of telomere biology, genome instability and DNA repair. The laboratory has developed novel approaches for characterising genome-wide, telomere dependent, mutation using high-throughput long-read sequencing technology. The post holder will be involved in the development of novel analytical pipelines to characterise mutational events in large complex datasets.

The successful applicant will have a relevant PhD in a related subject area, or the equivalent or relevant industrial experience. They will have a proven ability to design, write, and maintain software code in a bioinformatically relevant computer language such as Perl, Python, C, C++, or Java. They will also have a proven ability to work within, and a deep understanding of, the Unix operating system and an understanding of the issues involved in using this environment to handle large-scale genomic datasets.

The position is funded by Cancer Research UK programmatic funding, and will be based in the Cancer Genetics Building, Heath Park campus.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more.  It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

How we will support you in performing in this role –

There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see ‘Essential Criteria’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience.  We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you:

1.    Regular one-to-ones with your manager
2.    An experienced and supportive team around you
3.    Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require
4.    A mentoring scheme

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Duncan Baird – BairdDM@Cardiff.ac.uk

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term until 31 March 2025 and available from 1 April 2023.

Salary £35,333 – £42,155 per annum (Grade 6).  Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Date advert posted: Friday, 10 March 2023

Closing date: Sunday, 26 March 2023

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

Job Purpose

To utilise bioinformatics skills in order to conduct research in the area of telomere biology, genome instability and DNA repair, as well as contributing to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research 
•    To utilise bioinformatics skills in order to conduct research in the area of telomere biology, genome instability and DNA repair, as well as contributing to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students
•    To provide bioinformatics support and research expertise in the handling, exploration, and analysis of large-scale genomic data generated by colleagues within the telomere laboratory
•    To interact with the Wales Gene Park Bioinformatics team
•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
•    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
•    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
•    To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
•    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
•    To participate in School research activities
•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other
•    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities; these activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance
•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or equivalent or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within at least one of the following research fields:
i.     DNA repair
ii.    Genome instability
iii.   Telomere biology

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in bioinformatics

4.    A proven ability to design, write, and maintain software code in a bioinformatically relevant computer language such as Perl, Python, C, C++, or Java

5.    A proven ability to work within, and a deep understanding of, the Unix operating system and an understanding of the issues involved in using this environment to handle large-scale genomic datasets

6.    Proven ability to publish in national journals and contribute peer reviewed abstracts to national and/or international conferences

7.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
8.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

9.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
10.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

Desirable Criteria

11.    A postgraduate degree at MSc or PhD level in bioinformatics with a specialism in NGS datasets

12.    Knowledge of current status of research in DNA repair, genome instability and telomere biology

13.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is School of Medicine’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.

Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 16228BR.

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Salary Range Min.

35,333

Salary Range Max.

42,155

Job Category

Academic – Research

Grade

Grade 6