Post Doctoral Research Assistant, specialising in bioinformatics

The work undertaken by The James Hutton Group helps tackle our most pressing global problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. The Information & Computational Sciences Department (ICS) comprises a wide portfolio of skills, working at a range of scales from molecular to global. The Group exploits expertise in bioinformatics, geoinformatics, data science, risk assessment and integrated complex systems modelling, as well as research computing and high-performance computing.
We are currently seeking a collaborative and motivated research scientist, with specialist skills in bioinformatics, to work on a three-year BBSRC funded project: Quantifying how host genotype and microbiome composition combine to influence susceptibility to plant disease. The project is focussed on the analysis of the susceptibility of Scots Pine trees to the fungal pathogen Dothistroma needle blight (DNB). The hypothesis for this project is that in a given environment, host genotype drives foliar microbiome composition and interactions to alter pine tree susceptibility to DNB). To test this hypothesis we will integrate existing host genotype data, new amplicon sequencing and RNA sequencing and apply association genetic analysis and Bayesian network modelling. The post holder will be responsible for coordinating and conducting work on the project , including amplicon sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and the construction of a Bayesian network from the microbiome data generated.
This post is an exciting opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists at the James Hutton Institute (Dundee), The Centre for Hydrology and Ecology (Edinburgh), Forest Research (Edinburgh) and The University of St Andrews. The post will allow the candidate to develop a diverse range of skills in next generation sequencing, microbiome analysis, bioinformatics and the use of high performance computing facilities.
This post is based in Invergowrie, near Dundee. This role requires regular face-to-face working (with flexible and hybrid working arrangements available), as well as a requirement to travel between the collaborating institutes within Scotland (Edinburgh and St Andrews). The post may also include international travel to attend conferences.
More information on the detail of the post and the post holder can be found below in the job description.
Job Description
The main purpose of this post is to work on a three-year BBSRC funded project: Quantifying how host genotype and microbiome composition combine to influence susceptibility to plant disease. The post holder will be responsible for work on the project, including amplicon sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and the construction of a Bayesian network from the microbiome data generated. The hypothesis for this project is that in a given environment, host genotype drives foliar microbiome composition and interactions to alter pine tree susceptibility to Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), a fungal pathogen. To test this hypothesis we will integrate existing host genotype data, new amplicon and RNA sequencing and apply association genetic analysis and Bayesian network modelling.
This post is an exciting opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists at the James Hutton Institute (Dundee), The Centre for Hydrology and Ecology (Edinburgh), Forest Research (Edinburgh) and The University of St Andrews. The post will allow the candidate to develop a diverse range of skills in next generation sequencing, microbiome analysis, bioinformatics and the use of high performance computing facilities.
Salary on first appointment is normally to the bottom of the scale, although in exceptional circumstances an appointment further up the scale may be considered.
Main Duties of Postholder

• Overall coordination of the three-year project
• Analysis of amplicon sequence and RNA-sequence datasets
• Generation of a Bayesian network model for the pine microbiome from the amplicon sequence data
• Collaboration with scientists across the 4 institutes involved in the project
• Communication of results at seminars, conferences and through written publication

Person Specification
Education/Experience/Skills
Essential

• PhD in relevant discipline (e.g. bioinformatics, plant biology, biochemistry, biology, computational science)
• Experience of next generation sequence data analysis, integration, and visualization
• Expertise in relevant coding language(s), and script generation to deliver bioinformatics analysis solutions
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and English language skills
• Ability to work both in interdisciplinary teams and independently
• Willingness to learn new skills as the project requires

Desirable

• Experience of microbiome data analysis: including familiarity with a common eDNA workflow or workflow component e.g QIIME2, mothur, DADA2 etc
• Experience of network modelling

• Experience working with the Linux operating system
• Experience of github or equivalent open version-control data repository
• Experience of metadata collation and linkage with NGS datasets
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to undertake research with limited supervision

Other Skills

• Ability to manage time in relation to meeting project deadlines

For additional information and an informal discussion about this post please contact Dr Sue Jones ().
Benefits Offered
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £33,595.00-£40,769.00 per year