We have an exciting opportunity for a bioinformatician in the School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow. The post is available either for an experienced bioinformatician (grade 7) or a less experienced bioinformatician (grade 6) that wants to further develop their skills.
You will work on a range of data analysis, data integration, curatorial and community-engagement activities for WormBase ParaSite (parasite.wormbase.org), the main portal for accessing genomics data for parasitic worms. You will drive genome annotation improvements within the resource by developing new workflows and enabling updates from the research community.
Across the globe, parasitic worms impose an enormous disease burden on humans, livestock and crops. WormBase ParaSite facilitates new approaches to the study and control of parasitic worms by integrating, analysing and displaying genomic data for hundreds of species, and enabling deep comparative explorations of genome evolution and gene function.
The School of Infection and Immunity is one of eight Schools in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences which is the largest of the University's four Colleges. The School comprises scientists and clinicians working together to promote and develop research, drug discovery and improvements in patient care. It is committed to excellence in graduate and post-graduate teaching and developing the next generation of researchers.
Job Purpose
You will work on a range of data analysis, data integration, curatorial and community-engagement activities for WormBase ParaSite. This will include driving annotation improvements within WB-PS by developing new workflows, and enabling updates from the research community.
Across the globe, parasitic worms impose an enormous disease burden on humans, livestock and crops. WormBase ParaSite facilitates new approaches to the study and control of parasitic worms by integrating, analysing and displaying genomic data for hundreds of species, and enabling deep comparative explorations of genome evolution and gene function.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Analyse, curate and process large-scale datasets (e.g. annotation, gene- expression, genomes and genes, variants, phenotypes) for inclusion into the resource
2. Pro-actively analyse and curate existing datasets, working with collaborators at EMBL-EBI to devise solutions to correct systematic errors.
3. Work with collaborators at EMBL-EBI to prepare new releases of WormBase Parasite
4. Review outputs from annotation workflows to troubleshoot problems, customising workflows and deploying changes where appropriate.
5. Operate a helpdesk, responding to enquiries from the research community
6. Identify new datasets for inclusion by monitoring literature, social media, and helpdesk traffic. Engage with data producers to guide submission of datasets into public repositories and onwards into WormBase ParaSite.
7. Develop effective relationships with the scientific users, through helpdesk, meetings and conferences to gain a sound understanding of their needs to ensure that the resource meet their requirements
8. Communicate progress and plans effectively, through regular stand-ups and project-planning meetings
9. Contribute to problem-solving discussions within the team and provide input to strategic decisions to help move the team forward.
For appointment at grade 7
10. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility
11. Troubleshoot and fix data consistency or annotation problems independently without regular mentorship.
12. Contribute to the project codebase
13. Initiate and guide problem solving discussions
14. Help develop and maintain external collaborations, nationally and internationally in line with the project goals
These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive, but simply highlight a number of major tasks the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities evolve.
Qualifications
Essential
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11 (Masters Degree), in a relevant subject such as computer science, data science, bioinformatics; or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
Or
Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
For Appointment at Grade 7:
A2 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD), in a relevant subject such as computer science, data science, bioinformatics; or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
Or
Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
C1 Intermediate level programming/scripting (e.g. Perl/Python)
C2 Up to date knowledge of functional genomics experiments, particularly those using sequencing approaches
C3 Proficiency in Unix/Linux
C4 Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
C5 Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
C6 Excellent time management skills
C5 Ability to prioritise, manage workload, and deliver agreed activities consistently
C6 Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
D1 Proven ability to plan and efficiently collaborate with others to develop and deploy software
D2 Knowledge of parasitology, preferably helminths
D3 Good understanding of genomics and annotation methodologies
Experience
Essential
E1 Experience of programming languages relevant to the project: Perl/Python
E2 Experience working with relational database systems: MySQL or Postgress
E3 Experience of working in a research environment
E4 Track record in creating user interface requirements/development
E5 Experience working within the academic/research sector
For Appointment at Grade 7:
E6 Extensive track record of delivering completed bioinformatics analyses
E7 Extensive experience leading and developing collaborations
Desirable
F1 Experience working with the Ensembl genomics infrastructure
F2 Software development in the area of biology
F3 Genome annotation/curation.
F4 Experience using Apollo annotation tool.
F5 Experience using pipeline tools (e.g. Nextflow, Cromwell, eHive or similar).
For Appointment at Grade 7:
F6 Experience in writing reports or publications.
F7 Experience working with scientific datasets, ideally in a biological setting.
F8 Experience of working in a virtual team.
F9 Teaching/trainer experience.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6/7, £30,502 - £34,308/£37,474 - £42,155 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 months.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Informal Enquiries should be directed to Professor Matt Berriman, [email protected]
Vacancy Ref: 107112, Closing Date: 20 February 2023.
Vacancy Ref : 107112 Close Date : 20-Feb-2023 23:45