Job Description
Unit Name:
Human Genetics
Unit
Division/Section:
Job Title:
Salary range:
Band:
Career
Development
Fellow
4
Reports to:
Dr Martin Taylor
Working Hours:
Class of
appointment:
Overall Purpose:
Scientific
Post Number
Tenure:
Biological
Systems
Analysis
£25,622 £31,358
Fixed-term three
years
36 hours per
week
Project Title - Post-doctoral career development fellow in evolutionary
genetics and genomics
Background
We are seeking a motivated and experienced, post doctoral Computational
Biologist to join the research group of Dr Martin Taylor. This is a rare opportunity
to help form and develop a new research group at the forefront of comparative
genomics and genetics, within a well supported and established research
environment.
The broad aim of the research group is to understand the processes of selection
and mutation that are acting to shape genomes. It is well known that selection
shapes the pattern of genomic changes that accumulate as populations diverge
from a common ancestor, but it is becoming increasingly clear that variation in
the pattern of new mutations can also generate superficially similar signals
(Taylor et al. PLoS Genetics, 2006; Taylor et al. Nature Genetics 2008; Semple
and Taylor Science 2009). Improved separation of these evolutionary signatures
will greatly aid in the understanding of how organisms evolve and in the
identification of disease genes and their pathways.
Research Objectives
The successful applicant will leverage differences between population genetic
variation and that which has accumulated between species, to detect both the
action of selection and difference in mutational profile between categories of
biological sequence. This will involve the interpretation of next-generation
sequencing data and a panoply of molecular and genetic data projected onto
whole genome sequences. These approaches will be used to gain insights into
mutational mechanisms and natural selection. With some modifications, they will
also be applied in collaboration with disease focussed research groups to help
identify disease genes and characterise selective pressure in the development of
cancer.
As the successful applicant will be a founder member of a new and expanding
research group, this post would ideally suit a scientist that is looking to acquire
experience in research leadership, to further strengthen an impressive publication
record and who has ambitions and potential to lead their own research group in a
few years time. This post is fully funded by the MRC but we are keen to support
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44(0)131 332 2471 Fax +44(0)131 467 8456
Job Description
subsequent applications for personal fellowships to develop the career of the
post-holder.
Qualifications
Prospective candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant computational, biological
or mathematical subject and have proven experience in the application of
computational and statistical methods to genomic data. Expertise in computer
programming, large scale data processing and a good understanding of
eukaryotic genome structure are essential.
Working Relationships:
The CDF will work closely with Martin Taylor in the Biological Systems Analysis
section, but will also have opportunities to collaborate with other groups within
the HGU and further afield.
Main Duties:
Develop a program of research in computational genomics and genetics. Report
those findings to the wider scientific community.
Key Responsibilities:
Database and computational systems administration. Software development.
Engage in primary research. Supervision and training of students.
Employment Checks:
Please note that final appointment will be subject to pre-employment
health and security screening and references.
Level required : G
Additional Information:
This is an MRC funded Career Development Fellowship for 3 years, offering
training and development for post-doctoral scientists who have either recently
completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research discipline, have
limited previous experience of key transferable skills, or are clinically qualified
with little or no research experience.
They provide opportunities to develop research project skills and collaborative
links with colleagues within the Institute and elsewhere.
Further information on MRC Human Genetics Unit can be found at:
www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
For informal enquires email:
personnel@hgu.mrc.ac.uk
Martin.Taylor@hgu.mrc.ac.uk or
To apply, please submit your C.V., a covering letter with contact details for two
referees and a complete publication record.
Closing date: 16 November 2009
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44(0)131 332 2471 Fax +44(0)131 467 8456
Job Description
Interviews will be held locally and are likely to be the first week of December
2009
Equality & Diversity:
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is
committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Its objective is that all
individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on
the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the
engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an
environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good
equalities and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements:
The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to
the MRC’s:




Code of conduct
Equality & Diversity Policy
Health & Safety Policy
Information technology policy and Data protection Act
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual
appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between postholder and line
manager
The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake
such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All staff
are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the
requirements of the post and the MRC.
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU
Telephone +44(0)131 332 2471 Fax +44(0)131 467 8456