We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated research assistant to join our team at the CRUK Cambridge Institute (part of the University of Cambridge) to study mRNA translation using bioinformatic approaches. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation.
You will be part of a computational team, led by Dr Susanne Bornelöv, which studies gene regulation using various approaches including machine learning, evolutionary genomics, and sequencing bioinformatics. Our team is funded by an 8-year Wellcome Career Development Award (wellcome.org/grant-funding/people-and-projects/grants-awarded/data-driven-methods-unravel-hidden-layers-genome).
In this role, you will support our efforts to improve current ribosome profiling analysis workflows and perform large-scale analyses of such data to investigate the role of codon usage in gene regulation. Our ultimate aim is to map the determinants of mRNA translation, including nucleotide sequence, codon composition, and RNA modifications, and to understand how these contribute to development and tissue homeostasis. Although prior experience working on any aspect of gene regulation, including mRNA transcription, translation or turnover would be beneficial, it is not strictly required. The most important qualities we are looking for are strong teamwork skills and a keen interest in computational approaches to uncover fundamental aspects of gene regulation.
To be successful in this role, you will need to have solid programming/scripting skills and an ability to develop workflows and document your work. Applicants should have a BSc or MSc degree in a relevant quantitative discipline and preferably a reasonable amount of research experience. Previous experience working high-throughput sequencing workflows, high-performance computing, version control systems, or with sequencing data such as RNA-seq or Ribo-seq would be desirable, but training can also be provided as needed.
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to ongoing research activities. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
For more information about the research group, including our most recent publications, please see our website: www.sblab.uk.
The closing date for applications is 29th May 2023. Interviews will be held in the beginning of June. The starting date is flexible, but ideally in September.
Essential:
* BSc/MSc in relevant quantitative discipline
* Ability to plan, execute and record scientific studies
* Good programming/scripting skills
* Ability to use command line tools and to develop workflows
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and attention to detail, ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Ability to manage own workloads and meet deadlines
* Ability to present scientific data and to interact with scientific colleagues
Desirable:
* Experience working with high-throughput sequencing data, in particular ribosome profiling and RNA-seq
* Experience performing statistical data analysis
* Experience with high-performance computing and version control systems
* Track record of contributions to a scientific area, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, preprints and/or through conference presentations
Please apply following the instructions on the website: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/40633/
The application deadline is 29th May