Research Fellow - Metagenomics

Job Purpose

To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research and through publication in the area of Metagenomics. To also assist in research (by carrying out bioinformatics data analysis) to create knowledge through providing research support for a NERC funded project eDNA:LOFRESH: Understanding the ecological relevance of eDNA in freshwater lotic ecosystems.

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.
• Understanding of theoretical underpinnings of sequence alignment algorithms in use for next generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Proven experience in NGS.
• Knowledge of Bioinformatics resources such as annotation tools and databases.
• Proficiency in: R/BioConductor, High level (e.g. python) programing languages, Database (SQL) development, Maintaining code repositories (version control).
• Linux expertise including file systems, shell, hardware/software monitoring etc.
• Proven skills in designing bioinformatics pipelines and comparative genomics.
• Proven experience in biostatistics and phylogenetic analysis.