Research Associate in Computational Genetics and Genomics

Key Skills

Bioinformatics, C Programming, C++, Genetics, Genomic data, Linux Operating system, Python Programming, R Programming, RNA-seq Data processing, Statistics

Job Description

About us

The Division of Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Richard Mott’s research group within the UCL Genetics Institute and part of the Department of Genetics, Evolution and the Environment. The group carries out research in computational biology, including the genetic architecture of complex traits, epigenetics, transcriptomics and genetic privacy.

About the role

The goal of this Research Associate role is to understand what controls protein abundance in plants. It is entirely computational. The post is based at UCL and involves close collaboration with our experimental and computational collaborators at Rothamsted Research and Cambridge University.

The postholder will analyse genomic, genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic data we have collected from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana through the UKRI-BBSRC sLoLa grant BB/T002182/1 What determines protein abundance in plants?. A key objective is to determine which genomic, genetic, and epigenetic features are associated with variation in gene and protein expression, with the aim of mapping the causal relationships between these “omic” layers and ultimately to understand why protein and mRNA expression are relatively weakly correlated. Although this is a research post there is opportunity to develop teaching skills within the department.

This is a role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 31/03/2027 in the first instance.

Interviews will take place in early 2024 and the post is available immediately.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 - £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.' https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/sites/human_resources/files/2023_-_24_ucl_non-clinical_grade_structure_with_spinal_points_december_2023_update_1.3.pdf

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% on site.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-staff for more information.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact [Richard Mott] at r.mott@ucl.ac.uk.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.

About you

If appointed, you will work on the analysis of a large multi-layered dataset of phenotypic, genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic data we have collected in an experimental population of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Part of the work may involve processing raw data (eg DNA and RNA sequencing reads), but the majority of your time will be spent interpretating the data. This will require you to have skills and experience in statistical modelling, formulating and testing biological hypotheses based on deep reading of relevant literature, designing and carrying out appropriate analyses, presenting results and writing papers. You will be expected to collaborate as part of a multi-institutional team but also be able to work independently.

You must have a PhD, (or be working towards a PhD) in bioinformatics, statistical genetics, genetics, computer science, mathematics, statistics or other computational/biological area. Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical genetics, preferably demonstrated by relevant publications/conference presentations, would be desirable.

Experience in computer programming in at least one of the languages R, Python, C/C++, Perl, Shell is also essential, as is familiarity with Linux.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/