BACKGROUND

The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) is a new national centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in conjunction with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and Norfolk Local Authorities. Focusing on genomics analyses of plants, microbes and animals, the work of the Centre will underpin advances in plant and crop science, animal health and welfare and microbial science applications through genomics-based biology in academic and commercial sectors. The centre is organised in three groups: Genomics, Bioinformatics and Business Development, with administrative support provided by an operations centre shared with The John Innes Centre and The Institute of Food Research on the Norwich Research Park. The three groups work together closely to deliver the Centre's scientific programme; its commercial partnerships and service provision are delivered through Genome Enterprise Limited, the Centre's wholly owned trading company.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Applications are invited for a Plant and Genomes Project Leader within the Department of BioInformatics.

The aim of this position is to lead the group of computational biologists at TGAC working on plant and animal genomes within the Genome Analysis Team. This group will be responsible for organising the analysis of sequence generated at TGAC and also engaging with collaborators on the analysis of plant and animal genomes. The jobholder will play a key role in designing and pursuing strategies for analysing gene function, expression and regulation. One key challenge for the role will be in adapting and integrating tools to work with datasets generated by next generation sequencing platforms. The selected candidate will use a wide range of analysis approaches to deeply explore and exploit genomics data sets in order to translate raw data into biological knowledge. The jobholder will work autonomously and proactively alongside the other Project Leaders in the Genome Analysis Team. The analysis of plant and animal genomes is central to the research and technology developments at TGAC, in particular for the areas of bioenergy, crop productivity and animal health.

The jobholder will also conduct his/her own research in bioinformatics in areas relevant to genome analysis and molecular biology in general. The research activities also include taking an active role in setting up TGAC's post-graduate program as well as supervising students in projects within his/her expertise. The jobholder will be an active member of the Norwich Research Park and will contribute with his/her expertise and experience to the Norwich Science Vision.

REQUIREMENTS

The candidate will have a PhD in molecular biology, genetics or computational biology and be familiar with tools for annotation and analysis of expression and epigenetics data. Knowledge of SQL, scripting languages (e.g. Perl) and statistical methods would be beneficial. The candidate will have demonstrable experience leading projects, supervising co-workers and working autonomously. They will have excellent communication skills with a commitment to quality and attention to detail.

COMPENSATION

Salary on appointment starts at GBP 33,750 per annum and is dependent on qualifications and experience.

TERMS

This is an indefinite term post.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information and to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.tgac.bbsrc.ac.uk or contact Human Resources, The Operations Centre, Norwich Bioscience Institutes, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK, 01603 450149 quoting reference 1002141.

DEADLINE

The closing date for applications will be 9th November 2011.

POLICY

The BBSRC Genome Analysis Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.