To support data analysis and bioinformatic contribution’s to the project ‘Somatic instability in Huntington disease’ working with Prof. Darren Monckton. Prof Monckton’s team use targeted and whole genome sequencing of large patient cohorts, combined with other molecular and clinical data, to understand the genome-wide genetic variants of Huntington disease onset, severity and progression, with a particular focus on the role of somatic repeat expansion. The successful candidate will join an ongoing research program to provide molecular biological, genetic, and data analysis expertise to the research team. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research reports, publications, and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

1. Support research within the group to further our understanding of the genetic basis of Huntington disease variability.

2. Acquire and assemble relevant datasets; perform bioinformatic and data analyses using appropriate statistical tests and interpret the results.

3. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting regular progress reports for funders.

4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile & quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic & societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team across the research group and wider community.

7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

8. Carry out modest teaching activities [e.g., day to day laboratory project supervision etc.] and associated administration as agreed in consultation with the principal investigator.

9. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

10. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

11. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the principal investigator.

12. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People, Changing The World.

A1. SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical experience of analysing genetic data.

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of human genetics research.

B1. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent, or current enrolment as a postgraduate research student in a relevant specialism.

C1. Data analysis/interpretation skills including IT and bioinformatics skills.

C2. Expertise in data visualisation.

C3. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including ability to communicate complex and/or large volume data clearly and concisely to a varied audience, including non-statisticians.

C4. Excellent inter-personal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C5. Appropriate workload and prioritisation skills, including the ability to balance competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.

C6. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C7. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

D1. Expertise in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

D2. Detailed knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies.

E1. Experience of programming in R, Python and SQL.

E2. Experience of analysing DNA sequence variants or DNA sequencing data.

E3. Experience of statistical analysis, handling high volume, complex and/or sensitive data.

E4. Experience of interpreting the requirements of others and generating high quality work to meet research objectives.

E5. Experience of working collaboratively with others towards a common goal.

E6. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

F1. Experience in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

F2. Experience of human genetics research including genome wide association studies and/or whole genome sequencing.

F3. Experience of research into Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and related disorders.

Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 – £36,024 per annum.

This post is full time and to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

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.

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.