Job description and person specification
Summary details
Unit name:
Human Genetics Unit
Division/Section:
Biomedical Systems Analysis – Ian Overton Group
Job title
Career Development Fellow – Postdoctoral Scientist
*Salary range:
Starting salary £26,022
*Band (Grade):
4
*Contract type (e.g. Open/Fixed term):
Fixed-term 3 years
*Hours (e.g. full or part time):
36 per week
Detailed job description
Overall purpose:
We are offering a 3 year Career Development Fellowship (CDF) which is a training and
development position for post-doctoral scientists. Applicants may have recently completed, or be
about to complete, their doctoral studies, or be moving into a new research discipline. This post will
provide opportunities to develop research project skills and collaborative links with colleagues
within the Institute and elsewhere.
Project Title: Systems Biology of Gene Function in Development and Cancer
Background information:
Biological processes are organised and controlled by complex interactions between many individual
components, and so inherently involve intricate networks. Many genes function in several cellular
processes (e.g. p53, GSK3β, IKKα, Gas2), while some act to both suppress and promote cancer
progression depending on context (e.g. Notch, KLF4, TGFβ, WT1, SnoN). Network properties are
predictive of disease outcome and contribute to incomplete penetrance of mutations (e.g. by
thresholding stochastic fluctuations). Furthermore, around one-third of higher eukaryotic genes do
not have confidently assigned function and many genes of unknown function are coordinately
regulated in embryonic development. Indeed network biology is fundamental to understanding cell
fate regulation and is important in producing the next generation of clinical tools. The group, lead by
Dr. Ian Overton, are applying data integration and machine learning approaches to develop and
interrogate probabilistic network models of gene function. Cell invasiveness, migration and stemlike properties are a major focus including systems-wide modelling of Epithelial to Mesenchymal
Transition (EMT) and the phenotypically opposite process MET. EMT and MET are fundamental in
development (e.g. neural crest migration, kidney), and are implicated in the progression of cancers,
stem cell properties and somatic cell reprogramming. For further background see:
http://www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk/people/i.overton/i.overton_researchb.html
Main duties / key responsibilities:
Existing functional genomics datasets (EMAGE, microarray, deep sequencing) provide a solid basis
for mapping systems-wide networks of gene function in development and disease. This will provide
a framework to infer sub-networks that control and define cell phenotype changes in cancer
progression (breast, colorectal, renal) and development. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
(EMT) signalling will be a particular focus. These networks will enable systems biology analysis of
carefully selected comparator datasets (e.g. clinically linked breast cancer differential expression).
Collaboration is envisaged with Dana Faratian (Quantitative Systems Pathology group, IGMM) and
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Grant Stuart (Urological Cancer group, University of Edinburgh), who are generating data on Renal
Cell Cancer (RCC) patient samples and cell lines. RCC has a 40% mortality rate and putatively has
a strong EMT component. A major focus of this work is discovery of biomarkers and druggable
targets for personalised and more effective cancer treatment.
The successful candidate will work in discussion with Dr. Ian Overton (group leader), and
contribute in the following areas:
 Processing and integration of relevant functional genomics datasets, involving production
and consolidation of computational workflows
 Learning networks of gene functional association and transcription factor physical
interactions from the integrated data. This includes selection of predictive features,
establishing gold standard datasets, parameter estimation and assessment of classifier
performance.
 Analysis of the resulting networks and interpretation of results to inform on the molecular
systems biology of cell invasiveness, stem-like properties and metastasis.
 Dissemination of research results to collaborators and the wider scientific community (e.g.
via seminars, journal publications and website development).
 To be a primary worker on the project, ensuring it is carried out efficiently and in a proper
scientific manner.
 To undertake original research into cell fate regulation in development and cancers, using an
integrative network biology approach
 Ensure the design and implementation of his/her part of the project
 Develop computational tools as appropriate in order to enable effective research progress
(although algorithm/software development is not a primary focus)
 Advise and assist students, collaborators and other colleagues
 Write and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, reports, presentations and
records of experimental plans and results
 Work closely in collaboration with other members of the Integrative Network Biology group
in order to generate and collate data, avoid duplication of effort and report on results
 Supervise and provide technical advice to more junior members of the group when
appropriate in order to develop their skills where required
 Help in the development of ideas for future research work and contribute to the writing of
applications for funding
 Maintain equipment connected to the research to ensure it functions at the correct levels
 To keep colleagues informed of developments and progress of the research
 Communicate research results to the scientific community both within the UK and abroad, as
appropriate
 Make effective use of shared resources, including the HGU compute cluster and filesystem
 Sustain positive and productive working relationships
 Adhere to good practice and safety procedures at HGU
Working relationships:
HGU Director: Nick Hastie
Head of Section: Richard Baldock
Group Leader: Ian Overton
The successful candidate will liaise with other staff within the Unit, which is part of the Institute of
Genetics and Molecular Medicine, and with outside collaborators.
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Additional information:
Further information on MRC Human Genetics Unit can be found at: www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk
For informal enquires email: Ian.Overton@hgu.mrc.ac.uk or personnel@hgu.mrc.ac.uk
A covering letter, CV and contact details of three referees must be included in the application.
Please note that final appointment will be subject to pre-employment health and
security screening and references.
Closing date: 23 January 2011
Equality & Diversity
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving
equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are 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 and Diversity policy
 Health and Safety policy
 Data Protection and Security policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes
should be made and agreed between the post holder and their 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 employees are required to act
professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
Person requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential:
 Hold (or be very close to completion of) a doctoral degree or equivalent in research in
appropriate area.

Hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g.
Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics)
Desirable:
Doctoral degree in the area of computational biology or bioinformatics
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Previous work experience required:
Essential:
 Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new computational tools and techniques.
 Proven track record of research success
Desirable:
 Successful completion of research with a strong computational element
 Leading the writing of scientific peer-reviewed journal publications
 Preparation and delivery of scientific presentations to national and/or international audiences
 Machine learning
 Analysis of large biological datasets
Knowledge and experience:
Computing Skills:
Essential:
Experience in at least one of Perl, Python, Java, R or C/C++
Desirable:
1) Experience in SQL database design and administration
2) Experience in more than one programming language
3) Experience of website development
Specific Knowledge:
Desirable:
1) Familiarity with standard computational biology tools and resources
2) Fluent in molecular biology and biochemistry
3) Good understanding of statistics and probability
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
We are looking for someone who combines an enthusiastic approach to scientific research with
persistence and the ability to complete projects and publish in a timely manner. The ability to work
in a group setting is crucial.
Additional information:
In this field it is important to be able to learn new techniques quickly and work to a very high
standard.
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