Research Associate in Molecular Evolution EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute

A position is available in Nick Goldman’s group at the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (near Cambridge, UK) for a Research Associate (post-doctoral level).

The position is available from 1 April 2012 or later by mutual agreement, and is expected to be for 3 years in the first instance.  Full details are viewable at http://ig14.i-grasp.com//fe/tpl_embl01.asp?newms=jj&id=47907&aid=15470 and http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/245341-Research-Associate -in Molecular-Evolution and the job description is included below.

Nick Goldman, EMBL – European Bioinformatics Institute

tel: +44-(0)1223-492530

fax: +44-(0)1223-494468

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK

A Research Associate (Officer) position exists in Nick Goldman’s research group (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/goldman) at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) which is located on the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK.

The group studies the evolutionary analysis of DNA and protein sequences, computational data analysis methods, probabilistic modelling of molecular evolutionary processes and statistical inference based on these models. We are particularly interested in applications of existing and novel sequence analyses in large-scale comparative genomics and Next (2nd- and 3rd-) Generation Sequencing, and benefit from  association with other groups at the EBI (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Groups) and elsewhere.

The Research Associate will work with Nick Goldman and other members of the group on issues relating to evolutionary sequence or NGS analysis. It is expected that these would include phylogenetic methodology and biological applications. The position permits freedom for the postholder to be involved in research projects already under way in the group (for example, detection of adaptive evolution, analysis of patterns of DNA mutations and amino acid replacements, sequence alignment, comparative analysis of genome-scale sequences, methods to exploit NGS data) and to develop his/her own interests in related areas; the Research Associate will be expected to do both of these things.

In addition to pursuing their research projects, a suitably experienced Research Associate will take responsibility for various tasks maintaining and developing the efficient operation of the group. These may include management and/or leadership of research projects of their own and the group leader’s devising; preparation of grant applications, liaison with colleagues and collaborators both within and outside of EMBL; promotion of the group’s work at EBI and elsewhere (including abroad); teaching at training events (including abroad); compilation of materials for reports and presentations; scientific supervision of other staff (including post-graduate students and junior visitors).

The EBI is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and is Europe’s leading provider of information services to biological researchers in academia and industry.  For further information please visit www.ebi.ac.uk

Qualifications and Experience

The post holder will have a PhD, and further research experience in related fields will be advantageous. Necessary qualifications include: understanding of and enthusiasm for the questions molecular biologists need to ask of sequence data, experience of mathematical modelling and statistical data analysis, and scientific computer programming. A background in biology, mathematics/statistics, computer science or other technical disciplines, combined with subsequent cross-disciplinary experience, is the likely career path. Demonstrated previous success in the additional responsibilities described above, and aptitude for all of them, will be preferred.

The successful candidate will have a good research record with previous publications in a related area of research.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.  Note that special visa requirements apply to employees from non EU countries working at EMBL-EBI in the UK. The period of work does not qualify them for the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme.

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