IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate in Bioinformatics (SM148-13)
Department:
Surgery and Cancer
Division:
Surgery
Section:
Computational and Systems Medicine
Job Family/Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£28,770 - £41,540 per annum
Responsible to:
Dr Zoltan Takats
Main Working relationships:
Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Professor Elaine Holmes, Dr Kirill
Veselkov
Contract:
Full time, fixed term until 31 October 2015
Location:
South Kensington Campus
The purpose of the Post
The post involves the development and testing of multivariate statistical analysis of imaging mass
spectrometric datasets in the framework of the 3DMASSOMICS project.
Key responsibilities:
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Development of novel statistical and data processing methods for the interpretation of
two and three dimensional imaging data sets obtained by MALDI and DESI methods.
Coding the newly developed algorithms as well as already established methods in
MatLab and R environment.
Embedding novel elements into already existing workflows.
Development of user-friendly data analysis software environment.
Managing the transfer and pre-processing of imaging datasets acquired within the
Section or by other consortial partners within 3DMassomics project.
Developing clinically oriented software tools for the identification and visualization of
histological and histopathological features in human tissue samples using imaging mass
spectrometric datasets.
Responsible for managing data and metadata databasing.
Liaising with the imaging mass spectrometry and histopathology teams regarding
methods for data evaluation.
Writing of scientific reports, including high quality publications.
Other duties:
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Undertaking appropriate administration tasks.
Attending relevant meetings.
Observing and complying with all College policies and regulations, including the key
policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal
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Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new
leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, Private Engagements and
Register of Interests, and Smoking.
Undertaking specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the
College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Undertaking any necessary training and/or development.
Maintaining safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the requirements
of Health and Safety legislation.
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety legislation
and recommendations and attend safety training as required.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake
other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and of eliminating discrimination.
All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its Equal Opportunities in
Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy and all other
relevant guidance/practice frameworks
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential:
 A PhD or equivalent in a relevant numerical discipline
Experience and Knowledge
Essential:
 Research experience in an area of computational analysis of large volume of
data (e.g. computational science, statistics, physics, bioinformatics or
computational chemistry)
 Knowledge of signal processing, pattern recognition and related multivariate
statistical tools for the analysis of large datasets
 Experience in object oriented programming (C or C#)
 Experience in designing GUI for scientific computing
 Fluent use of the MATLAB and/or R scientific programming environments
 Track record in publishing research in high quality journals
Desirable:
 Experience of processing and modelling high-throughput biological data (gene
expression, protein or metabolite)
 Track record of developing methods for the modelling of analytical data
Skills and Abilities
Essential:
 Proven ability in multivariate data analysis techniques (chemo-metrics, machine
learning and pattern recognition)
 Proven ability in the development of intuitive graphical user and visualization
interfaces for the analysis of large volumes of data
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Proven ability in scientific programming techniques
Consistent and logically reasoned approach to data analysis
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Ability to pursue multiple tasks in parallel, according to priority
Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility
Ability to work well within a team
Ability to present research to wider scientific and lay audience
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Excellent verbal communications skills and the ability to give oral presentations
Ability to work and communicate effectively with others across disciplinary
boundaries
Computer literate, good working knowledge of common office software
Desirable:
 Proven ability to produce scientific software tools with GUI interfaces for the use
by non-specialists
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria.
If you attach a CV it should include the following information:
Applicant’s full name, private address and private telephone number
A confidential fax number and e-mail address, where possible
Degrees (including University and dates)
Past and present posts
List of publications
Brief description of future research plans
Names, addresses and, email, fax numbers, of three referees.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.