UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
Research Associate/Fellow (Computational Biological Science)
School:
School Pharmacy
Salary:
£25,513 to £30,434 per annum depending on skills and experience
(minimum £28,695 with relevant PhD)
Job family and level:
Research and Teaching Level 4
Hours of Work:
Full-time, 36.25 hours per week
Contract Status:
Fixed-term contract for a period of 36 months starting November 2015
Location:
School of Pharmacy, University Park
Reporting to:
Dr C A Laughton
Purpose of the Role:
The role will provide computational science support for the EU project “Multi-Scale Complex
Genomics” which will develop a virtual research environment (VRE) that integrates structural and
functional data regarding the three-dimensional organisation of chromatin in the nucleus –
something which is now realised is of critical significance for our understanding of gene regulation.
The project will integrate the expertise of groups in genomics, bioinformatics, structural biology and
computational bioscience in UK, Spain, France, and Germany. Here at Nottingham, under the
supervision of Dr Charlie Laughton, the post holder will contribute to a) the development of
computational infrastructures that can integrate and share the highly different types of data
regarding DNA structure, organisation and interactions provided by different experimental and
theoretical techniques; b) integrate a range of data analysis tools in circulation in the community
into a common platform (the VRE), and c) undertake proof-of-principle investigations on the
relationship between DNA sequence, structure and recognition (by computational methods) to
validate and optimise the performance of the VRE.
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Main Responsibilities
Plan and conduct supervised research using recognised approaches, methodologies and
techniques within the field of computational science and informatics. This will include
but is not limited to:
 Developing, re-engineering, and integrating computational tools for the
representation of multi-scale data regarding DNA and chromatin structure.
 Developing, re-engineering, and integrating computational tools for the analysis
and interpretation of multi-scale data regarding DNA and chromatin structure.
 Applying the tools and data to research projects concerning the prediction and
analysis of protein-DNA interactions.
Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
Analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports, evaluate and criticise texts and bring
new insights to research area.
Prepare research work for publication and/or contribute to the dissemination to
relevant groups including external bodies and conferences, resulting in successful
research outputs. Assist in the preparation of scientific reports and publications for the
grant programme.
Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare
proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding,
contractual or accreditation purposes.
Build relationships with both internal and external contacts in order to exchange
information, to form relationships for future collaborations and identify potential
sources of funds and/or opportunities for collaboration.
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Co-ordinate the operational aspect of research networks, for example, arranging
meetings and updating web sites etc. and contribute to collaborative decision making
with colleagues in area of research.
Work in conjunction with others in the research team to achieve objectives and make
an active contribution to the success of the team. Provide support, guidance and
supervision to other staff, where appropriate in own area of expertise.
Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students projects,
fieldwork and placements, as appropriate. To participate in the assessment of student
knowledge and co-supervise projects at Masters level.
Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared interest for example, course
development, collaborative or joint research projects.
Plan and manage own research activity and resolve problems, if required, in meeting
own/team research objectives and deadlines in collaboration with others.
Contribute to the organisation of research resources and facilities, laboratories and
workshops as appropriate. Undertake general laboratory duties such as ordering of
reagents, equipment maintenance, and laboratory housekeeping.
Contribute to teaching, for example through laboratory demonstrations, lectures to
postgraduate workshops and/or delivery of Level 1 modules.
Person Specification:
Qualifications/
Education
Skills/Training
Essential
1. A 1st or upper-second class honours
degree in a Physical or
Computational Science and a PhD
thesis submitted or awarded in an
area related to Bioinformatics or
Structural Biology.
2. Expertise in the computational
analysis of DNA and/or chromatin
structure.
3. Fluency in at least one out of
Fortran or C/C++, and one out of
Python, Java, R, or Perl.
4. A strong commitment to
interdisciplinary research, in
particular between genomics and
structural biology.
5. Excellent oral and written
communication skills including the
ability to communicate complex
information with clarity and write to
a publishable standard.
6. Ability to creatively apply relevant
research methods and devise and
manage research programmes.
7. Excellent problem solving, IT and
organisational skills including the
effective deployment of resources.
8. Ability to build effective
relationships as part of a team and
collaborate with others, both
internally and externally.
Desirable
 A PhD in an area related to
DNA and/or chromatin
structure and organisation.

Fluency in as many as
possible out of: Fortran,
C/C++, Python, Java, R,
and Perl.

Expertise in modern
practices in software
development including
version control, validation
and testing, and
documentation.
9. Flexible, proactive and dedicated
approach.
10. Ability to travel within the UK and
overseas.
Experience

Experience in software
development.

Presenting work effectively to a
variety of professional and academic
audiences at meetings and
conferences.


Significant experience in
research projects concerned
with the computational
analysis of DNA and/or
chromatin structure.

Experience of developing
new approaches, models,
techniques or methods in
the analysis of DNA or
chromatin structure.

Experience in software
development as part of a
team.

First author publications in
high impact factor journals.

Previous success in gaining
support for externally
funded research projects.

Training and/or supervision
of staff or students.
A consistent track record of
published research in peer-reviewed
journals and writing high quality
reports and papers for publication.
Statutory/legal
Due to the requirements of the UK Border and Immigration Agency, applicants who are not UK or
EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will
be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals
whose employment will require permission to work subject to a resident labour market test may
only be considered if there are no suitable UK or EEA national candidates for the post. Please visit
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information.
Informal
enquiries
may
be
addressed
to
Dr
Charles
Laughton
[Charles.laughton@nottingham.ac.uk], tel 0115 9513405). Please note that applications sent
directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.
Equality and Diversity
The University of Nottingham has a range of policies to promote equality and diversity in the
workplace which are fully supported and promoted by the School through its Equality and Diversity
Committee. The School welcomes applications from all candidates and you can read more about our
commitment to equality and diversity at http://tiny.cc/UoNPharmEandD