Description Position Details School of Biosciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,485 to £55,295 with potential progression once in post to £62,098 Grade: 8 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2025 Closing date: 30th January 2025 Background We seek to recruit a full-time postdoctoral-level Research Fellow in Sequencing Bioinformatics to work in the laboratory of Professor Nick Loman on an exciting Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award dedicated to putting genomic surveillance at the heart of outbreak response. Working with an interdisciplinary team of microbiologists, epidemiologists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, evolutionary biologists and software engineers, we are creating an integrated approach to the rapid, and robust generation of sequencing information to inform outbreak response. We will build on previous experiences responding to viral outbreaks including Ebola, Zika and Yellow Fever and COVID-19 to develop a 21st century approach to outbreak response. The Research Fellow in Sequencing Bioinformatics will focus primarily on the development of new methods for real-time generation and analysis of sequencing data. The developer will take responsibility for developing existing open-source projects including the Primal Scheme webserver and the ARTIC bioinformatics pipeline, as well as developing new bioinformatics methods, algorithms, software and/or pipelines in support of the project goals. The project will offer ample opportunity for authoring primary bioinformatics research outputs and support for further career development in academia. Travel opportunities will be available for those wishing to engage in training and research activities: particularly in Africa, although travel is not obligatory for this post. Role Summary Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes Contribute to the development of research strategies Publish results of own research Supervise PhD students Contribute to the Department/School through management/leadership Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University Main Duties To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. This may include, where appropriate to the discipline: Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research Project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff Present findings in high quality publications and conference proceedings Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued Supervise and examine PhD students, both within and out with the University Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding Person Specification Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area (normally PhD) or equivalent qualifications Experience in scientific writing and data presentation and a track record of disseminating research findings to scientific audiences and through peer reviewed journals Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously including a track record of managing large volumes of data Good communication and interpersonal skills A high level of accuracy and attention to detail Ability to work with own initiative, manage time effectively, progress tasks concurrently and work to deadlines An understanding of both science and bioinformatics in an experimental setting Ability to keep abreast of latest technological, methodological and software developments Ability to write concise and timely scientific papers and reports Proven experience in next-generation sequencing bioinformatics (including nanopore and Illumina sequencing) Proven ability and experience developing new bioinformatics methods (such as software, algorithms) Proven skills in designing bioinformatics pipelines and comparative genomics Advanced knowledge of software programming techniques Experience of development and support of open-source software Informal enquiries to Professor Nick Loman, email: n.j.lomanbham.ac.uk or Hannah Willmott, email: h.j.willmottbham.ac.uk We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .