Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Integrated Microbiomics Bioinformatics)
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Chris Quince in the High-Resolution Microbiomics group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
Background:
The High-resolution Microbiomics group focusses on both theoretical and experimental methods for microbial community analysis. Combining statistical bioinformatics with technological developments in sequencing and ‘omics data generation to resolve both the microbes present in a community and their functional roles and interactions.
We are seeking an individual with a high-level of quantitative skills to develop novel pipelines for the analysis of integrated 'omics data sets from the human microbiome. The project based in Dr Quince’s group will develop pipelines for combined processing of metagenome and metabolome data sets.
These pipelines will comprise initial validation, integration and visualisation. We will explore the development of new statistical methods for pathway reconstruction to link metabolic changes with data of clinical relevance. These will be used to gain a mechanistic understanding of the role of therapeutic diets in the treatment of Crohn’s disease through application to a large-scale paired fecal metagenome and metabolome data from clinical trials of diets for Crohn’s disease (funded by the Helmsley Trust). Finally, validation of predictions may be performed through experiments in artificial colon systems.
The role:
The successful candidate will curate combined metagenome and metabolome data sets, develop new tools for statistical analysis of integrated 'omics data sets, manage pipeline software on repositories and collaborate with colleagues within and outside the Institute to apply these methods to metagenome studies.
They will be responsible for disseminating research findings through attendance at international conferences, and publishing results as manuscripts in leading scientific journals or through other relevant media.
There will be opportunities to develop skills in:
• Bioinformatics
• Statistics
• Problem solving
• Metabolomics
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate will have PhD in bioinformatics or statistics, or a related subject area with strong element of statistical modelling. They will also have a First-class degree in any area of science.
Knowledge of command line bioinformatics, software programming in at least one language (e.g. R, Python, C/C++) and a basic understanding of statistics are essential requirements of the role.
A proven record in scientific writing with experience of oral research presentations are also essential.
Knowledge of Bayesian statistics and probabilistic modelling, bioinformatics of metagenomics or metabolomics and a biological understanding of microbial communities and metabolism would be advantageous.
The ability to manage junior team members is also desirable.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,578 to £39,938 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 2 years.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our web site
http://jobs.earlham.ac.uk/ or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or
[email protected] quoting reference 1004087.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
The closing date for applications will be 11th October 2021
