Post-doctoral career development fellow in evolutionary genetics and genomics
MRC Human Genetics Unit
Background
We are seeking a motivated and experienced, post doctoral Computational Biologist to join the research group of Dr Martin Taylor. This is a rare opportunity to help form and develop a new research group at the forefront of comparative genomics and genetics, within a well supported and established research environment.
The broad aim of the research group is to understand the processes of selection and mutation that are acting to shape genomes. It is well known that selection shapes the pattern of genomic changes that accumulate as populations diverge from a common ancestor, but it is becoming increasingly clear that variation in the pattern of new mutations can also generate superficially similar signals (Taylor et al. PLoS Genetics, 2006; Taylor et al. Nature Genetics 2008; Semple and Taylor Science 2009). Improved separation of these evolutionary signatures will greatly aid in the understanding of how organisms evolve and in the identification of disease genes and their pathways.
Research objectives
The successful applicant will leverage differences between population genetic variation and that which has accumulated between species, to detect both the action of selection and difference in mutational profile between categories of biological sequence. This will involve the interpretation of next-generation sequencing data and a panoply of molecular and genetic data projected onto whole genome sequences. These approaches will be used to gain insights into mutational mechanisms and natural selection. With some modifications, they will also be applied in collaboration with disease focussed research groups to help identify disease genes and characterise selective pressure in the development of cancer.
As the successful applicant will be a founder member of a new and expanding research group, this post would ideally suit a scientist that is looking to acquire experience in research leadership, to further strengthen an impressive publication record and who has ambitions and potential to lead their own research group in a few years time. This post is fully funded by the MRC but we are keen to support subsequent applications for personal fellowships to develop the career of the post-holder.
Qualifications
Prospective candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant computational, biological or mathematical subject and have proven experience in the application of computational and statistical methods to genomic data. Expertise in computer programming, bioinformatics and large scale data processing, and a good understanding of eukaryotic genome structure are essential.
To apply, please submit your C.V., a covering letter with contact details for two referees and a complete publication record.
The Human Genetics Unit has facilities and expertise in a wide range of disciplines; more information on the research in the Unit can be found at Full details of the position can be found at
The appointment will be to a Band 4 starting salary from £25,622 per annum. We offer optional membership to the MRC pension scheme and excellent training and development opportunities as well as a generous holiday entitlement.
Applications for this role must be made online at . If you do not have internet access or experience technical difficulties, please call 01793 301154, quoting reference number HGU09/541.
If you would like to receive this advert in large print, Braille, audio or electronic format/hard copy, please contact the Recruitment team at the MRC Shared Service Centre on the telephone number above or email recruitment@ssc.mrc.ac.uk
Informal enquiries can be made to Personnel@hgu.mrc.ac.uk or martin.taylor@hgu.mrc.ac.uk
Closing Date: 16th November, interviews are likely to be first week of December 2009.
The MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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Filed Under: Computer Science
