Research Associate (Bioinformatician)

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.

About the role:

We have an exciting opportunity to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced Research Associate (Bioinformatician) to join Professor Valentina Escott-Price’s research group within the UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University.

The post holder will play a leading role in the analysis of large and complex genetic and electronic health records datasets with a range of Bioinformatics tools, Statistical and Machine Learning approaches, whilst leading a broad range of investigative and analytical activities to maximally exploit clinical and genetic data of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and linking them to genetic risk scores with the aim to identify novel therapeutic target for ALS using molecular, cellular, and human/animal experimental data. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research investigating the complex architecture of ALS and related subphenotypes in human data.

Job Description

To conduct research principally within biostatistics, machine Learning and bioinformatics associated with genetics of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative conditions in large population and cross-sectional studies, and to contribute to the overall research performance of the School, University and the UK Dementia Research Institute, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research

• To conduct research within genetics of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative conditions in large population and cross-sectional studies
• To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.

  About you:
  Qualifications and Education
  1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
  Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
  - Biostatistics/Bioinformatics in complex genetic analyses
  - Genetics of complex diseases
  - High Performance Computing
  - Big data manipulation and analyses
  - Analysis of rare genetic variants
  3. Knowledge of current status of research in biostatistics, bioinformatics, exome sequencing data processing and analysis, gene expression analysis
  4. Proven ability to publish in national journals.
  5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
  Communication and Team Working
  6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
  7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
  Other
  8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
  9. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Key details

• Location UK DRI at Cardiff
• Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6)