Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Biology
Job Purpose
The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/) and will make a leading contribution to a research programme capturing properties of viral genomes, proteins and host tissues in large computational and evolutionary models.
The role is based within the Viral Informatics, Biostatistics, and Evolution lab (https://vibelab.co.uk/) led by Dr Liam Brierley, whose mission is to use new computational methodologies to better understand how animal viruses infect and cause disease within new host species, including potential for human pandemics.
The post holder will be responsible for developing innovative supervised machine learning and graph analysis frameworks using genomic characteristics and protein expression to predict likely infection links between hosts, tissues, and RNA viruses within a wide range of families, e.g., paramyxoviruses and coronaviruses. The post holder will be expected to interpret findings with experienced insight in both statistical validation and virological contexts. They will play a role in disseminating the results through written manuscripts and research presentations.
As such, the post holder will be expected to have significant experience in bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, virology, mathematical biology, computer science, or a related discipline.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the research strategy of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR).
2. Extract, compile, and process diverse viral -omics datasets capturing properties of genomes, proteins, protein-protein interactions, and host properties.
3. Develop and validate statistical and computational models, which may incorporate machine learning, collaborative filtering, and graph analysis methodologies.
4. Produce and share code in collaborative environments within the group, and in conjunction with others at the CVR and externally where necessary.
5. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the CVR, including preparation of independent and joint publications of international quality in regarded scientific journals.
6. Disseminate research results at scientific conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
7. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in meetings, seminars, workshops, and other activities across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
8. Contribute to supervision, mentorship and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and other members of the project team.
9. Contribute to communication of research results to nonspecialists, including public health stakeholders and scientific outreach.
10. Engage in continuing personal and professional development activities as appropriate.
11. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
12. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
For Appointment at Grade 7
1. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership, and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, methodological development, collaboration and publication of research, and mentoring.
2. Lead in developing and maintaining external collaborations, nationally and internationally.
3. Develop and sustain a track record of independent and jointly published research that establishes and maintains an expert reputation in the subject area.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills, Experience
Qualifications/Knowledge
Essential:
1. A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant biological, computational, or statistical discipline.
2. OR Equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
3. A2. Extensive and in-depth knowledge in a related field of research.
For Appointment at Grade 7:
1. A3. Scottish Credit and Qualification level 12 (PhD) in a relevant biological, computational, or statistical discipline with at least 2 years post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role or equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
Desirable at Grade 6/7:
1. B1. Working towards or completed Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in a relevant biological, computational, or statistical discipline.
2. B2. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11 (postgraduate degree) in a relevant biological, computational, or statistical discipline.
Skills
Essential:
1. C1. Competency with machine learning, graph analysis, information retrieval, or demonstrably related computational, statistical, or mathematical methodologies.
2. C2. Proficiency in handling and analysing biological data in an appropriate programming language (e.g., R, Python, Julia).
3. C3. Ability to develop innovative and strategic research solutions and motivation to manage them independently.
4. C4. Excellent communication skills in explaining complex scientific ideas in writing and orally.
5. C5. Commitment to open science, research integrity, and reproducible research practices.
6. C6. Self motivation, initiative and independent thought / working.
7. C7. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
For Appointment at Grade 7:
1. C8. Supervisory and mentorship skills appropriate to supporting undergraduate and postgraduate researchers.
2. C9. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
3. C10. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality publications / conferences.
Desirable at Grade 6/7:
1. D1. Extensive and in-depth knowledge of evolution, virology, and/or proteomics.
2. D2. Skill in programmatic data extraction and use of APIs.
3. D3. Excellent communication skills in explaining complex scientific ideas to non-specialist audiences.
Experience
Essential:
1. E1. Experience in handling and processing large and/or complex structured biological datasets.
2. E2. Experience in application and validation of model frameworks in an appropriate programming language (e.g., R, Python, Julia).
3. E3. Experience in writing peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.
4. E4. Experience of effective working within research teams.
Essential at Grade 7:
1. E4. Established record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals including first-author role or equivalent responsibility.
2. E5. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.
Desirable at Grade 6/7:
1. F1. Experience in handling and processing data in viral genomics, host protein expression, or protein-protein interactions.
2. F2. Experience with deep learning and/or collaborative filtering methodologies.
3. F3. Experience of effective working between interdisciplinary research teams.
For informal enquiries regarding this post, please contact Dr Liam Brierley (liam.brierley@glasgow.ac.uk)
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,232 - £36,924/£40,247 - £45,163 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 years.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
Closing date 18 March 2025 at 23:45
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