PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
PARTICULARS OF APPOINTMENT
Ref:
PI/12/57
Job Title:
Senior Computational Biologist
1.
The Institute invites applications for the above post.
2.
Salary will be within the range £33,300 to £57,100 (dependent upon
experience) per annum.
3.
Informal enquiries can be made to: Dr Crispin Miller via email:
cmiller@picr.man.ac.uk
4.
Applications should be returned by 4th January 2013 to the Human
Resources Department, either via email (jobs@picr.man.ac.uk) or to the
postal address below:
Julie Jarratt
Recruitment Coordinator
HR Department
Paterson Institute for Cancer Research
The University of Manchester
Wilmslow Road
Manchester M20 4BX
Tel:
Fax:
(00 44) 0161 446 3231
(00 44) 0161 918 7134
5.
To apply for this position please provide a completed CV cover sheet which
includes the names and contact details of three referees, CV and Equal
Opportunities Form. . A cover letter is optional. No further information
will be taken into consideration as part of your application.
6.
All applicants should complete an equal opportunities form with their
application.
7.
If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the closing date you
should assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been
successful. We would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank you
for your interest in the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, and we
hope that this will not deter you from applying for other positions in the
future.
8.
The Institute will endeavour to contact shortlisted candidates promptly;
however there may be occasions where a high volume of applications are
received therefore applicant’s patience is appreciated.
Page 1 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
COPY OF THE ADVERTISEMENT
The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek
to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.
Computational Biologist in Translational Science
Senior Computational Biologist:
 Job Reference Number: PI/12/57
 Non time limited position
 Salary range: £33,300 to £57,100 (dependent upon experience)
The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research (www.paterson.man.ac.uk), an
Institute of The University of Manchester, seeks two (one senior, one junior)
computational biologists to join the Applied Computational Biology and
Bioinformatics Group (ACBBG). The Paterson Institute is one of Europe’s premier
cancer research centres and is core-funded by Cancer Research UK, the world’s
largest independent cancer research charity. Our juxtaposition to The Christie
NHS Foundation Trust, Europe’s largest specialist cancer hospital, provides
exceptional opportunities for interactions between basic and clinical research
teams, facilitating rapid translation of fundamental research findings to patient
benefit. The Institute is at the heart of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre
(MCRC), an exciting development that integrates cancer research across
Manchester (www.mcrc.manchester.ac.uk).
The ACBBG incorporates postdoc-level bioinformaticians and computational
biologists who provide collaborative support for the analysis of high throughput
genomics data, including ChIP seq, RNA seq, whole genome DNA sequencing,
microarrays and quantitative protein mass spectrometry. Based within the
ACBBG, and part of an interdisciplinary team featuring programmers,
computational biologists and bench scientists, senior analysts work collaboratively
for extended periods with other research groups within the Institute, where they
are able to bring their expertise in genomics analysis to multiple projects and
datasets.
The post holder will work closely with the Group Leader to coordinate and
manage the collaborative work of the group. Ideally the successful applicant will
have a PhD in computational biology or a related discipline, will have strong
programming skills, significant experience coding in R or Matlab, and substantial
experience analysing complex global genomics datasets. They will have excellent
communication skills and a proven ability to coordinate a scientific team in a
highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment in which multiple
overlapping projects must be coordinated and run to tight, but achievable,
deadlines. Direct experience working with clinical statistics, deep sequencing data
and quantitative mass spectrometry would convey a significant advantage, as
would familiarity with Bioconductor.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Crispin Miller cmiller@picr.man.ac.uk .
To apply for this position please complete an equal opportunities form and submit
along with a CV and accompanying CV cover sheet detailing the names of three
Page 2 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
referees to jobs@picr.man.ac.uk quoting the job reference number above. For
applicants who are unable to download this information from our website, please
contact HR department on 0161 446 3231, email: jobs@picr.man.ac.uk to have
this information sent by post.
Closing date for receipt of applications is: 4th January 2013
Page 3 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
PATERSON INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DETAILS
Job Title:
Senior Computational Biologist – Informatician 5
Department:
Applied Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
(ACBB)
Division:
PICR
Base:
PICR
ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Accountable to:
1.
ACBB Group Leader
Responsible for:
1.
Day to day running of the service team
JOB PURPOSE
To assist the ACBB group leader in the day to day running of the ACBB group.
Under the strategic direction of the ACBB group leader, to coordinate and
contribute to the work of a computational analysis team working alongside bench
and clinical scientists in the analysis of high throughput deep sequencing,
proteomics and microarray data.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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To help design analytic strategies for high throughput genome scale
experimental datasets, incorporating deep sequencing, mass spectrometry
and/or quantitative proteomics data
To coordinate the day to day activities of a team of programmers and
senior bioinformatics analysts to ensure the successful delivery of a high
quality service
To work under the strategic direction of the ACBB group leader
To apply bioinformatics, computational biology and statistical analysis
tools to the analysis of genomics data
To work for extended periods as part of a multidisciplinary team
Page 4 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
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To work with multiple research groups throughout the Institute
To clearly and effectively communicate results and data to collaborators
To clearly and effectively communicate the underlying rationale behind
different analysis approaches
To select the appropriate analysis approaches for a given dataset, in
consultation with the ACBB group leader and other senior team members
To develop new workflows and/or algorithms, if required
To actively participate in group meetings and literature sessions
To present work at meetings within and external to the PICR
To help prepare work for publication
To manage time effectively; to work with the ACBB group leader and other
senior members of the team to set tight, but achievable deadlines, and to
work efficiently on multiple concurrent projects
To attend institute retreat, space permitting
To perform other duties or functions consistent with the position, nature of
the post and as determined by the Group Leader
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
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Work efficiently, cost-effectively and in a flexible manner.
To meet objectives within pre-determined timescales.
Effective communications to be maintained with supervisory and junior staff.
Strict adherence to protocols, Institute policies and Health & Safety
instructions.
Post holder is required to familiarise themselves with the University’s Equality
and Diversity policies and to actively support these wherever possible.
Page 5 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The person specification should set out the qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, personal attributes, interests, other
requirements which the post holder requires to perform the job to a satisfactory level.
Job Title:
Senior Computational Biologist – Informatician 5
ESSENTIAL
The qualities without which a post
holder could not be appointed

PhD in Bioinformatics or
related discipline OR
postgraduate qualification
in computer science,
molecular biology, or
related discipline and
extensive relevant
experience

Significant relevant
experience providing day to
day supervision of a team.
Ensuring work is delivered
consistently with high
quality and within agreed
deadlines.
Extensive relevant
experience analysing
genomics datasets arising
from at least one of the
following: microarrays,
quantitative tandem mass
spectrometry, deep
sequencing.
Experience of successfully
managing own projects and
those of other staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE


DESIRABLE
Extra qualities which can be used to
choose between candidates who meet
all the essential criteria
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
Documentation
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Experience with gene
prediction and genome
databases.
A detailed understanding of
the complexities of gene
expression, translation,
transcription, regulation
and control.
Parsing and extracting data
from multiple
bioinformatics sources.
Experience analysing
quantitative proteomics
data.
Experience analysing high
throughput deep
sequencing data.
Experience developing
clinical biomarkers from
gene expression data,
using techniques such as
survival analysis.
References,
Interview and
CV
Page 6 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester

SKILLS
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The ability to plan ahead,
to manage time effectively,
and to coordinate multiple
concurrent projects
The ability to successfully
supervise and mentor other
team members
Ability to motivate others
Strong influencing skills
Strong programming skills.
Demonstrable ability to
write, test, and
troubleshoot extended data
analysis scripts in R or
Matlab
Preparing work for
publication.
Proven ability to clearly,
precisely and concisely
present scientific data in
presentations and written
work.
Proven ability to work with
other members of a
research team towards a
common goal.
Ability to develop a detailed
understanding of a
research field through
literature review.
Ability to work as part of an
interdisciplinary team.
Ability to develop effective
working relationships.
A demonstrated ability to
perform research and to
develop novel ideas.
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Statistical analysis of
biological datasets.
Demonstrable ability in
R/bioconductor or Matlab
(or equivalent, with
extensive and proven
programming skills in other
languages).
SQL.
C, C++, Java, Perl.
Substantial familiarity with
R/Bioconductor.
References,
Interview and
CV
Page 7 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester

KNOWLEDGE

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
OTHER
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An in-depth understanding
of the fundamental
statistics of gene
expression data analysis
and significant experience
in a broad range of
statistical and
computational analytic
techniques.
Knowledge of “Health and
Safety at Work”
requirements.
Knowledge of customer
service.
To show commitment to
equality and fairness and
integrity in dealing with
others
Motivated
Meticulous
Interactive
Flexible
Organised
Ability to work to strict
deadlines
Ability to work well within a
team framework as well as
on an individual project
Technically focused
Effective communication
skills
Ability to adapt to a
changing environment
 In depth understanding of
clinical statistics.
Interview and
CV
Interview and
References
Page 8 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
THE CITY OF MANCHESTER AND THE REGION
Manchester is one of the great European cities and the Paterson Institute for
Cancer Research is located a short distance from the city centre and is serviced
by regular public transport to the city centre. The city’s architecture represents
one of the high points of Victorian achievement. The modern city is a major
centre of banking, commerce and manufacturing. It has a highly cosmopolitan
atmosphere and its cultural life is internationally renowned.
There are three outstanding professional theatre companies, the halls of the Hallé
and BBC Philharmonic orchestras, the Cornerhouse as well as other cinemas, and
Europe’s fastest-growing Chinatown. On the way into the city, there is perhaps
the best stretch of road in the entire country for Indian and Pakistani food, known
as the curry mile in Rusholme.
Amongst developments enriching the area’s cultural life have been: the opening
of the Lowry Centre and Media City at Salford Quays; the opening of the
Bridgewater Concert Hall; the refurbishment of the City Art Gallery; the opening
of Urbis in the centre of Manchester and of the Imperial War Museum North,
designed by Daniel Libeskind, in Trafford.
Trafford, specifically Old Trafford, is known internationally for sport: it is a venue
for Test cricket and the home of Manchester United FC. The Commonwealth
Games were held in Manchester in 2002 and were highly acclaimed. The
Commonwealth Stadium became the home of Manchester City FC in 2003.
Housing is varied, plentiful and the price ranges can start moderately priced and
are as varied as the requirements.
Schooling ranges from world-famous private schools to excellent sixth-form
colleges and comprehensives.
Manchester is well served by a major international airport, with direct scheduled
flights to many destinations in Europe as well as North America and Asia.
Manchester Piccadilly railway station has been refurbished and is served by intercity and other train services – with a direct link to Manchester Airport. The
expanding network of Metrolink tram services offers an alternative mode
of public transport from certain parts of the conurbation and is currently being
expanded to include connections near to the Institute. Some of the most beautiful
countryside in Europe is just short of an hour’s drive from the Institute in the
Peak District National Park, while the Lake District and Snowdonia are also within
easy reach.
Manchester offers extensive provision for research. Library facilities include the
John Rylands University Library (the major library in the North West and the third
largest in the country) and the Manchester Central Reference Library. Facilities for
quantitative analysis are provided by Manchester Computing and the Computer
Support Unit
Page 9 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
ADDITIONAL RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PARTICULARS:
Shortlisted Candidates:
1.
We will reimburse reasonable travel expenses. You need to retain all your
receipts as you will need to submit these with your expense claim form.
This form will be given to you when you attend your interview.
2.
If candidates require accommodation the Institute can arrange this for
you. Please notify the Human Resources Department as soon as possible
so that this can be arranged on 0161 446 3231 or email:
jobs@picr.man.ac.uk Please note that reimbursement for accommodation
may not apply.
3.
Shortlisted candidates may be expected to complete a presentation as part
of the selection process. Information regarding the duration and title of
the presentation will be provided in the invitation to interview
correspondence. We supply both laptop and projector for presentations.
4.
All dates and times stated in correspondence from the Institute refer to
UK GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
5.
Candidates need to bring along their passport to interview, (a copy of
which will be taken for our records) and where applicable, your visa, when
you visit the Institute. If candidates have difficulty in producing their
passport, please contact the Human Resources Department prior to the
interview on 0161 446 3231 who will be able to advise you.
6.
Skype interview with presentation:
Instances may arise when it may not be possible for candidates to travel
to the Institute to attend the interview on the given date. In this
circumstance, a Skype interview may be used as the first stage of the
selection process. The criteria will be consistent with all other candidates.
If successful following the Skype interview, candidates will be invited to
visit the Institute at a later date. Further information will be provided at
that time. 24 hour prior to the interview we will require:



7.
A copy of the presentation emailed to jobs@picr.man.ac.uk
Skype name
A contact telephone number
Telephone conference with presentation:
As above, instances may arise when it may not be possible for candidates
to travel to the Institute to attend the interview on the given date. In this
circumstance, and if a Skype interview is not possible, then a telephone
conference interview will be arranged as the first stage of the selection
process. The criteria will be consistent with all other candidates. 24 hour
prior to the interview we will require:


A copy of the presentation emailed to jobs@picr.man.ac.uk
A contact telephone number
Page 10 of 11
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
STANDARD CR-UK TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The following is a basic summary of the standard terms and conditions applicable
to the post you have applied for:

The post of Senior Computational Biologist, is on a Cancer Research UK
salary. It’s an Informatician 5 grade.

Salary £33,300 to £57,100 (dependent upon experience) per annum.

Your employment will be with The University of Manchester appointed
under The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research terms and conditions.

Salary is paid monthly.

There are 32 days holiday per year plus Bank Holidays for England.

Duration of contract: non-time limited.

37 hour week

There is a probationary period attached to this post of 6 months. It’s
standard for many organisations now and consists of two 3-monthly
reviews with your line manager.

You are eligible to join the USS pension scheme.

Any offer made by the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research would
require the successful candidate to undergo a medical clearance. This is
arranged with Occupational Health department at the University of
Manchester prior to starting employment and consists of a basic medical.
This is to address and gain clearance for any potential hazards identified
for the role on offer.

Offer is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and proof of your
highest qualification.

Offer is subject to documented evidence of your right to work in the UK
under the Home Office UK Border Agency Regulations.

There are a range of staff benefits. If you require further information at
this stage please contact HR department directly.
Page 11 of 11