Postdoctoral Research Associate
Closing Date : 03-Jan-2018
Contact Number :
The Institute of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Edinburgh seeks to appoint two Postdoctoral Researchers to support the work of Prof. Rambaut, developing computational and statistical approaches to viral genome sequence analysis in real time during an outbreak or epidemic.
Candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field (computational biology, computer science, mathematical biology or statistics), experience of developing statistical models of molecular epidemiology, phylodynamics and phylogography, and/or demonstrable knowledge and experience of software development, High Performance Computing, and GPGPU development. The candidates will have a track-record of publishing in peer-reviewed, academic journals, excellent communication skills, and the ability to deal with a variety of tasks to set deadlines. The project will involve working with project team members including virologists, bioinformaticians and epidemiologists to create an integrated, practical system for public health emergencies.
The posts are full-time for 5 years.
Please include a CV and supporting statement with details of how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience required.
Informal enquiries to Prof. Andrew Rambaut (a.rambaut@ed.ac.uk).
1. Job Details Job title: Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA)
2. Job Purpose The aim of the project is to create a sample-to-response molecular epidemiology system for acute RNA virus outbreaks in resource-limited locations. Based on the Oxford Nanopore Technology’s MinION portable sequencing platform, the system will include a ‘lab-in-a-suitcase’ for virus isolation and sequencing, in-country bioinformatics of MinION data, real-time phylodynamic analysis, integration of epidemiological data, and interpretation and visualization of the results to inform public health responses. The position advertised here will focus on the computational and statistical aspects of the project including the development of phylodynamic analyses of outbreaks capable of updating in real-time as new data becomes available.
3. Main Responsibilities Research – To develop methods and software for the real-time analysis of virus genome sequence data from emerging outbreaks and epidemics. To undertake research on phylodynamic models of acute viral outbreaks to inform public health response. (60%).
Carry out the activities listed to time and quality standards. Prioritise own tasks and allocate time to own tasks. 5. Problem Solving Consult with colleagues, project partners and/or line manager as required. Seek advice for academic/technical contacts. Make intelligent use of on-line support services. 6. Decision Making Selecting approaches to allotted task. Contributing to project planning meeting, suggest solutions to technical problems. 7. Key Contacts/Relationships Prof Andrew Rambaut (Line Manager; Edinburgh PI); Group research staff. 8. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job
Qualifications/Training Essential
Experience
Essential
Desirable
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Essential
Desirable
Personal Attributes
Essential
9. Dimensions
This post is full time (35 hrs/ week) and funded for 5 years from the start date.
10. Job Context and any other relevant information
This post is part of a wider collaboration (ARTIC Network, funded as a collaborative award by The Wellcome Trust) of about 15 researchers at the universities of Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Leuven, University of California Los Angeles and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle. The post-holder will focus on particular work-packages of the project and will need to liaise and collaborate with the other PIs and PDRAs to ensure a fully integrated project is delivered.
Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.
The closing date is 5pm GMT on 03 January 2018.
Eligibility to Work
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview.
For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website
If you are not currently eligible to work in the UK, the University has the authority to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to successful candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. The CoS enables candidates to apply for a Tier 2 (general visa) in accordance with current UK Visas and Immigration rules.
For applicants interested in sponsorship information is available on our Working in the UK website
However, if you have previously been sponsored by an employer within the UK but your leave has expired or lapsed and you are no longer in the UK, according to Home Office Visa Immigration rules you cannot apply for sponsorship under any category of Tier 2 for a period of 12 months after the date your visa expired and/or you left the UK.
If you are an academic in the field of sciences; humanities; engineering; medicine; digital technology; or the arts and come from outside the EEA, it may be possible for you to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa.
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route offers a greater flexibility in your employment compared to other UK immigration routes, meaning you can, for example, move organisation, location and/or job role. By contrast with, a Tier 2 visa where you are ‘tied to a UK sponsor’. Tier 1 provides greater flexibility in undertaking additional engagements, such as collaborations and is intended as a route to settlement. Allowed absences from the UK are up to 180 days per year without losing the eligibility to qualify for settlement, with no restriction on the reason for absence (unlike Tier 2, where any absences from the UK must be for a purpose consistent with the person’s employment or economic activity, including paid annual leave, or for serious or compelling personal reasons).
You would initially need to apply to be endorsed as an internationally recognised leader or emerging leader in your particular field by a designated competent body (Arts Council England, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, Tech City UK).
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)
Once successfully endorsed, you are able to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. More information on this entry route is available at UKVI Website.
Conditions of Employment
Pension Scheme
This role is grade UE07 and therefore the post holder is automatically included in membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subject to the USS membership criteria, unless they indicate that they choose not to join the Scheme.
For further information please visit our Pensions website.
Salary
The role is grade UE07 and attracts an annual salary of £32,548 to £38,833 for 35 hours each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.
The University reserves the right to vary the candidate information or make no appointment at all. Neither in part, nor in whole does this information form part of any contract between the University and any individual.
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