DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in computational biology / bioinformatics, who will work with a dynamic group of scientists focussed on answering fundamental questions in reproductive biology, early embryonic development, and the causes of infertility. Prior knowledge and expertise of handling single-cell datasets is highly desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity following our recent work (Sangrithi et al. 2017 Dev Cell, Lau et al. 2020 Dev Cell and Mahadevaiah and Sangrithi et al. 2020 Nature). The project aims to discover the function of genes on the X-chromosome in mammalian germ cells and their role in idiopathic and sex chromosome aneuploidy associated infertility. The post holder will be involved with the analysis and integration of high throughput genomics data, such scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, ChIP-seq as well as spatial data, and will contribute to the overall regenerative medicine theme.

Through leveraging these combinatorial approaches, our group aims to understand physiological gene regulatory networks that are fundamental to spermatogonial stem cells. The postholder will have access to and be able to explore new single-cell datasets that focus on cell state transitions during germ cell / gonadal development from in vivo experimental models and sex chromosome effects in the germline.

This position is will be of interest to enthusiastic candidates with a PhD and / or an MSc in computational biology, bioinformatics or computer science with the relevant expertise.

Our Team and the Role:
The Reproductive Biology and stem cells Lab, led by Dr. Mahesh Sangrithi at the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative, comprises a diverse group of scientists, including biostatistics specialists and clinicians who work together to understand the genetics and genomics of sex chromosome effects in germ cells and infertility.

The postholder will play a central role in a programme of research using high-throughput genetics and genomics to further our biological understanding in these areas.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term for up to 4 years, from 06/10/2021 until 05/10/2025.

This is expected to be a full-time post (100% full time equivalent. Specific requests to hold the post part-time (at least 80% FTE) may be considered on an individual basis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research Associate Grade 6:

• Share skills by training others and a willingness to collaborate.
• Carry out world class research.
• Previous experience working on single-cell bioinformatics.
• Familiarity with using high-performance computing.
• Communicate results effectively in writing and orally.
• Attend and present at seminars, journal clubs and conferences.
• Contribute to publications arising from the research projects.
• Keep clear and up-to-date records of work.
• Contribute to collaborative atmosphere of the department.
• To create, implement and use analytical and bioinformatics pipelines to analyse and interpret multidimensional data.
• To work on agreed aspects of specialized bioinformatic analyses in accordance with project workstream requirements and deliverables.
• To develop advanced data manipulation and analysis capabilities using R. Python, and open source bioinformatic tools (e.g. Bioconductor) and database structures to analyse complex data.
• Comply with all relevant safety legislation to ensure a safe working environment.
• Take part in public engagement activities.
• The post holder will be expected to plan and prioritise their workload, with competing and shifting priorities under pressure of deadlines.

Research Assistant Grade 5:

• Carry out world class research.
• Previous experience working on single-cell bioinformatics.
• Familiarity with using high-performance computing.
• Communicate results effectively in writing and orally.
• Attend and present at seminars, journal clubs and conferences.
• Contribute to publications arising from the research projects.
• Keep clear and up-to-date records of work.
• Contribute to collaborative atmosphere of the department.
• To create, implement and use analytical and bioinformatics pipelines to analyse and interpret multidimensional data.
• To work on agreed aspects of specialized bioinformatic analyses in accordance with project workstream requirements and deliverables.
• To develop advanced data manipulation and analysis capabilities using R, Python, and open-source bioinformatic tools (e.g. Bioconductor) and database structures to analyse complex data.
• Comply with all relevant safety legislation to ensure a safe working environment.
• Take part in public engagement activities.
• Post holder will be expected to plan and prioritise their workload, with competing and shifting priorities under pressure of deadlines.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:
Research Associate (Grade 6):
Essential criteria:
1. PhD awarded in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Biotechnology or relevant discipline.
2. Plan and manage research activity in collaboration with others.
3. Excellent general knowledge of computational biology.
4. Past peer-reviewed publication(s) that involve the analysis of genomics NGS data, bulk / single-cell transcriptomics data.
5. Experience in pipeline scripting, automation and management using high-performance computing platforms.
6. Advanced skills in analysing and integrating multi-omics datasets (e.g. experience in performing gene regulatory analysis from scRNA-Seq data).
7. Proficient in programming languages (e.g. Python, R, Unix, C++).
8. Skills to develop novel tools / approaches in machine learning or mathematics for analysing high dimensional datasets.
9. Excellent record keeping / attention to detail, and an organized and systematic approach to research.
10. Pro-active, enthusiastic, positive attitude.
11. Self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
12. Able to plan own day-to-day research activity within framework of agreed programme.

Desirable criteria:
1. Understanding of early embryo development and germ cells.
2. Ability to make collaborative and independent decisions.
3. Previous experience in a molecular biology research setting.
4. Interest in training further and develop new skills.
5. Ability to think strategically.

Research Assistant (Grade 5):
Essential criteria:
1. MSc awarded in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Biotechnology or relevant discipline.
2. Excellent general knowledge of computational biology.
3. Past peer-reviewed publication(s) that involve the analysis of genomics NGS data, bulk / single-cell transcriptomics data.
4. Experience in pipeline scripting, automation and management using high-performance computing platforms.
5. Advanced skills in analysing and integrating multi-omics datasets (e.g. experience in performing gene regulatory analysis from scRNA-Seq data).
6. Proficient in programming languages (e.g. Python, R, Unix, Java).
7. Skills to develop novel tools / approaches in machine learning or mathematics for analysing high dimensional datasets.
8. Excellent record keeping / attention to detail, and an organized and systematic approach to research.
9. Pro-active, enthusiastic, positive attitude.
10. Self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
11. Able to plan own day-to-day research activity within framework of agreed programme.

Desirable criteria:
1. Previous experience in a molecular biology research setting.
2. Interest in training further and develop new skills.
3. Ability to think strategically.
+++ Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

COMPENSATION:
A generous salary, along with London Weighting Allowance will be awarded in keeping with the experience of the candidate.

LOCATION:
Business unit:
Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine Department: Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine
King's College London
United Kingdom

Department:
Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine

HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role addressing the criteria set out above and in the job description.

Apply online: https://bit.ly/3xerera

Contact details: Dr Mahesh Sangrithi, Mahesh.sangrithi[at]kcl.ac.uk

DEADLINE:
Posted: 01-Jul-2021
Closing date: 29-Jul-2021

FURTHER INFORMATION:

About the School:
The School of Basic & Medical Biosciences is led by Professor Mathias Gautel and comprises five departments with a wide range of expertise and interests. Using a bench to bedside approach, the School aims to answer fundamental questions about biology in health and disease and apply this to the development of new and innovative clinical practise, alongside providing a rigorous academic programme for students.

Departments:
The Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) uses an integrative and translational research approach focusing on fundamental questions about human physiological function in health and disease to explore 3 research themes: skeletal muscle & aging, sensory-motor control & pain and aerospace & extreme environment adaptation.

The Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine focuses on cutting-edge stem cell research, how stem cells interact with their local environment and how these interactions are important for developing effective cell therapies in the clinic.

The Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics uses cutting-edge technologies and analysis techniques to explore the mechanistic basis of disease, improve diagnostics and understand the epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation and RNA processing, working from whole population level to complex and rare disease genomes

The Randall Centre of Cell & Molecular Biophysics takes a multi-disciplinary approach at the interface of Biological and Physical Sciences to explore the underlying mechanisms behind common diseases.

St John's Institute of Dermatology seeks to improve the diagnosis and management of severe skin diseases, through a better understanding of the basic pathogenetic mechanisms that cause and sustain these conditions focussing on cutaneous oncology, genetic skin disorders, inflammatory & autoimmune skin disorders, and photomedicine.

About the Department of Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine:
The Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine is led by Professor Fiona Watt, who's laboratory comprises approximately 30 research staff and visiting scientists and is internationally recognised for research on adult and pluripotent stem cells. Along with Professor Watt's group there are nine other research groups operating at the Centre, bringing the total number of staff to approximately 80 people.

Research at the Centre is focused on how stem cells interact with their local environment, or niche. We believe that an understanding of these interactions is important for developing effective cell therapies in the clinic. Located on the Guy's Hospital campus, the Centre acts as a focus for cutting-edge stem cell research taking place across the College and its partner NHS Trusts, as part of King's Health Partners. To facilitate collaborations within King's and with external partners, we have opened a 'Stem Cell Hotel' where researchers can access specialist equipment and technical support to study stem cell behaviour at single cell resolution. We also host an international seminar series and run the 'Stem Cells @ Lunch' seminar series to share ideas and unpublished data. Our researchers are committed to public engagement and take part in diverse outreach events. Detailed information about the Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative medicine can be found in the following link: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/research/divisions/gmm/departments/stemcells/index.aspx

ABOUT THE KCL / NIHR Biomedical Research Centre:
Within the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust the Population Science Cluster, led by Professor Charles Wolfe, provides interdisciplinary skills in public health, primary care, epidemiology, statistics, health economics and social sciences for research and training. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/research/divisions/hscr/research/biomedical-research-centre-%28brc%29

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.