Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate in Computational Genomics
Section:
Epigenomics and Disease
Division:
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Academic and Research, Level B
Salary Range:
£33,410 – £42,380 per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Jorge Ferrer
Key Working Relationships (internal): Section of Epigenomics and Disease
Funding:
Medical Research Council Programme Grant
Contract:
Full-time, fixed-term for 12 months
Location:
Hammersmith Campus
Project Title:
Genome regulation in beta cells
Research Programme: Genome regulation in pancreatic beta cells
The research is based on recent work from the host team, who recently created
regulatory maps of the embryonic and adult pancreas, leading to the discovery that
defects in such elements can result in human diabetes (Weedon et al, Nature
Genetics 2014, Pasquali et al, Nature Genetics 2014). Other studies from the team
have disclosed hundreds of novel non-coding RNA genes (Moran et al, Cell Metab
2012).
The research project is as follows: transcriptome and epigenomic NGS datasets from
human pancreatic islets will be used to explore novel mechanisms through which
sequence variation affects gene regulation, and thereby affect human diabetes.
The successful candidate will lead a project in collaboration with a multidisciplinary
team led by ProfessorJorge Ferrer and includes computational biologists, molecular
biologists and geneticists. Professor Ferrer heads the Section of Epigenomics and
Disease,that also includes the NIHR Imperial BRC Genomics Facility, which provides
NGS and bioinformatics analysis for Imperial College London researchers. The team
is funded by the Wellcome Trust, MRC, and National Institute of Health.
For information on the lab’s interests and publications see
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/j.ferrer
http://www.betacellregulation.net/
Research Duties
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To take initiatives in the planning of research
To direct the work of small research teams
To identify and develop suitable techniques for the collection and analysis of
data
To conduct data analysis ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all
times
To be responsible for ensuring that data is accurate, up-to-date and complete
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To provide guidance to staff and PhD students
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the
wider community
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
To contribute to bids for research grants
To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
To actively participate in the research programme of the Group
To publish in high quality journals and to present data to colleagues and at
national and international meetings
To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the
requirements of the project demand
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College London and
elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and, facilities
with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the
laboratories
To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research
students and research assistants as required
To comply with the College, Division, and Section safety practices and to
attend courses on safety when appropriate
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set
out on the College Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities web
page:
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements.
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by the Head of group as well
as Head of Division/Department/Section
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the
key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Ethics related, External Interests, Financial
Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new leaders,
managers and supervisors), Information Technology, and Smoking.
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager/supervisor
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the
key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety,
Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors),
Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and
Smoking.
To undertake 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).
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 to 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 all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Imperial College London
Person Specification
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are
expected to follow:
1)
Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2)
Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3)
Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4)
Deliver positive outcomes
5)
Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6)
Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7)
Work in a planned and managed way
Qualifications
Essential
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PhD or equivalent, in a relevant field
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
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Diverse educational backgrounds are welcome, but a solid computing
background is essential.
Knowledge of a programming language (e.g Python, C/C++, Perl, R, MatLab)
is required
Expertise in statistical analysis, with prior experience with genome-scale
sequence data, and/or in the analysis of biological networks
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range
of people
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to
produce a high standard of work
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the
Internet
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences