Research Associate in Genomic Bioinformatics

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was awarded with its partners including the University of Manchester a NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) (start date December 2022). The Manchester BRC consists of 13 themes. Each theme is made of a series of programs of work, and each program contains multiple projects.

This is a joint position shared between the Rare Conditions and Next Generation Diagnostics themes. The Rare Conditions theme is led by Professors Bill Newman and Sid Banka. The theme includes three programs including one on Improved diagnosis, understanding, and prevention of Rare Conditions. This program has a dedicated project on Novel gene discovery and functional genomics. The Next Generation Phenotyping and Diagnostics theme is led by Professors Rachel Lennon and Graeme Black. This theme also includes three programs including one on Data mining to advance the utility of existing diagnostic datasets. This program has a dedicated project on improving diagnostic sensitivity by the integration of orthogonal datasets.

Our teams have extensive experience and track record in advanced clinical phenotyping and data analysis. We have a track record in translating these findings into novel discoveries. Our teams in Manchester have published >100 novel genetic rare diseases over the past decade. We are now applying newer approaches, including RNA sequencing and methylation analysis to compliment genomic sequencing. The new funding is likely to enable establishing of new platforms such as for long read sequencing and optical genome scanning.

The post holder will undertake bioinformatic analyses on genomic and functional genomic data generated locally and from large datasets (e.g. 100,000 genomes projects, NHS Genomics library, the DDD project, the Solve-RD project and DECIPHER). The drivers of the analyses could be individual unsolved patients or families, or cohorts with shared clinical characteristics, or specific molecular or cellular pathways or genomic features. The post holder will work closely with clinicians and researchers using different technologies and designs to determine the causes of rare conditions. The post holder will also provide bioinformatic support for establishment of new platforms and analytical pipelines. The post holder will support other researchers and students within the BRC themes as they undertake bioinformatic analyses on genomic data.

The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Siddharth Banka / Graeme Black

Email: siddharth.banka@manchester.ac.uk / graeme.black@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.