Main Purpose of the Job

As part of the Cellular Genomics and Decoding Biodiversity Institute Strategic Programmes, the role will engage with primary research. The post holder will be working closely with external partners focusing on investigating the genomic and cellular bases of adaptation to environmental challenges in vertebrate species.

The post holder will lead on the production and analyses of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data encompassing population, and single cell data as part of the project. The post holder will also lead on the analysis, preparation, and submission of the associated manuscripts.

They will be required to work with relevant EI staff and with outside collaborators to carry out necessary research to meet key deliverables for the project.

The successful candidate may also act as a key technical resource to clarify issues, participate in analysis, and apply comprehensive knowledge to contribute to the completion of assignments as part of several research projects.

Key Relationships

Internal: Group leaders at EI, EI’s Director and Senior Management Team. EI’s Science Faculty groups, NBRI and communications and training teams.

External: Collaborators, visitors to EI, collaborators such as WorldFish, the University of Liverpool, Bangor University.

BBSRC officers, academic and industrial stakeholders

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Applies a combination of ‘wet-lab’ techniques involving molecular biology and along with the associated bioinformatic techniques 

40

To execute research tasks and participate in data analysis associated with objectives sets as part of the Cellular Genomics and Decoding Biodiversity ISPs

20

Develop analytical pipelines for the reproducible handling and analysis of omics diversity data

10

Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media

10

Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications

5

Disseminate research findings though presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings.

5

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

5

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related subject

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience of molecular biology techniques, DNA/RNA sample preparation for NGS

Essential

Experience in comparative genomics analyses

Essential

Experience of transcriptomics, epigenomic, genomics analyses

Essential

Pertinent experience in Linux and in shell scripting

Desirable

Demonstrated skills in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, Perl, R

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience in genomics or genetics projects

Essential

Experience with evolutionary biology and developmental biology projects

Essential

Experience with genome sequencing and analysis

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Must be able to travel and work a non-conventional work pattern at times

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.

We are building a future where the biology of any organism can be understood by analysing its genome. Our mission is to decode the scale and complexity of living systems so we can understand, benefit from, and protect life on Earth.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure. We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe. Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
The Earlham Institute champions 'team science'. Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

Our Vision and Mission

Our Strategy

Our Culture

Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Research Faculty

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Wilfried Haerty in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

Climate change imposes unprecedented challenges to organisms, both through the rapid change of their environment (e.g. temperature increase, droughts) and through exposure to emerging pathogens. Within this context, we aim to understand both the immediate response of an organism to environmental challenges and to characterise the genomic bases of adaptation to environment and resistance to pathogens. To achieve these goals, we leverage existing genetic diversity and specific environmental adaptations in closely related species and wild populations. We are applying this framework to the Nile tilapia, the third most important freshwater aquaculture species, for which we have generated significant genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic resources both for high-performance strains, wild population, and closely related species adapted to different environments.

As part of the Institute Strategic Programmes Cellular Genomics and Decoding Biodiversity, two highly collaborative projects bringing together molecular biologists, computational biologists, and computer scientists, we are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Postdoctoral Research Scientist to undertake experimental and computational analyses to unveil the genomic and transcriptomic bases of environmental acclimatisation and adaptation.

The role:

The successful candidate will apply molecular biology protocols to prepare ATAC-Seq, RNA-Seq, and DNA-Seq libraries from both bulk and single cell samples. The candidate will investigate the transcriptomic response of specific cell types to environmental challenges, and the genomic bases of environmental adaptation.

The project is led by Dr Wilfried Haerty, and the successful candidate will work closely with groups across EI (Dr Iain Macaulay) and with external collaborators.

At EI, the post holder will have access to cutting-edge facilities, and high-performance computing facilities and expertise. They will join an active community of experimental and computational biologists working on a wide range of cellular genomics and single-cell analyses. They will have the opportunity to contribute to other projects and the overall development and implementation of single-cell genomic approaches at EI.

The ideal candidate:

The successful applicant will have a PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related subject. They will have significant experience generating and working with genomic/epigenomic/transcriptomic data. The candidate should have a demonstrable working knowledge of preparing transcriptomic or genomic libraries for sequencing. Bioinformatic knowledge and experience in programming languages such as Python, Perl, or R would be desirable. 

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £35,300 to £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full-time post for a contract of 36 months.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 7 May 2024.