Computational biologist for vegetable trait analysis - United Kingdom - The Earlham Institute

Description

Computational biologist for vegetable trait analysis (KTP associate)
Job Title Computational biologist for vegetable trait analysis (KTP associate) Post Number Closing Date 3 Jun 2024 Grade SC6 Starting Salary £34,950-£43,750
Hours per week 37 Project Title Knowledge transfer partnership between Earlham Institute and Tozer Seeds Ltd. to advance and integrate genomics technologies to accelerate the speed and efficiency of vegetable breeding Months Duration 30

Applications are invited for a KTP Associate to join the Research Faculty at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

A unique opportunity to work on an innovative project, at the intersection of industry and academia, focusing on the application of genomics-based analyses for the development of marker-assisted selection protocols, with the aim of optimising the breeding of superior celery varieties.

The applicant will be co-affiliated to the Earlham Institute, where they will interact remotely online (virtual working) on weekly basis and occasionally in person in one-day visits.

Based at Tozer Seeds Innovation Centre in Cobham, Surrey, the work will be multidisciplinary in nature, requiring engagement in bioinformatics, laboratory, and field-based variety trials, drawing on fundamental plant biology and bioinformatics skills, and a good understanding on how crop improvement works.

A personal training and development budget will also be available for you to access, as well as receiving access to the training and facilities at both the Earlham Institute and Tozer seeds.

The applicant will develop trials, genotyping and phenotyping datasets, and GWAS statistical analysis, for marker discovery in a non-model vegetable crop species (celery).

They will also implement these markers for selection of large off spring populations into an active commercial vegetable breeding programme.

The work will involve trial design, overseeing population phenotyping in field trials (UK, Spain, California) and hands-on laboratory screening assays, completing statistical analysis of multi-season multi-location trial data, bioinformatic analysis of large biological datasets, developing and documenting bioinformatic analyses and training colleagues in them, and engaging with stakeholders in the vegetable variety market, such as growers and sales/marketing colleagues.

As part of the broader scope of the KTP, the associate is expected to gain a full understanding of all business operational activities and how different teams interact to achieve commercial success.

The applicant will have access to world-class breeding facilities and training at Tozer Seeds, and cutting-edge bioinformatics training and facilities at Earlham Institute.

Reporting directly to Matthew walker at Tozer Seeds and Jose De Vega at Earlham Institute, and working closely with other colleagues and managers in their teams, such as the Director of R&D (J Claxton), Head of Plant genomics (A Hall), project coordinators and members (B Nichols, F Gawthrop), Innovate UK advisers, etc.

Percentage Perform bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing datasets from crop populations: SNP calling, population structure analysis, GWAS association mapping, candidate gene functional annotation, etc.

15 Perform trial design and statistical analysis of phenotyping results and trials to aggregate multiple season and locations; BLUP and other analysis.

15 Laboratory-work; 10 Track the delivery of project; write and lead reporting to senior leads and funders.
internally in meetings with the project meeting, other members, and externally in conferences and scientific articles
Requirement Importance Masters in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a Molecular Biology discipline with a strong computational element. Essential PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a Molecular Biology discipline with a strong computational element.

Requirement Importance Solid understanding of the application of statistical methods to biological data, statistical analysis of high throughput data Essential Principles of Molecular biology Essential Good understanding of bioinformatic (computational biology) analysis Essential Laboratory experience (molecular):
DNA extractions, PCR/qPCR, etc.

Essential A working knowledge and practical experience with developing workflows in a preferred language (user-level R essential; basic python and bash scripting desirable).

Requirement Importance Computational analysis of next-gen sequencing (NGS) datasets, and genotyping and phenotyping datasets Essential Working in a highly collaborative research environment Essential Evidence of writing and reporting results in research Essential Primary role on scientific research projects to successful conclusion, evidenced by a track record of outputs Essential Working in field trials and hands-on molecular research Desirable Previous experience on association mapping (GWAS) Desirable Working in an industry setting Desirable
Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Essential Good organisational skills Essential Ability to communicate and work productively within a multidisciplinary team Essential Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part o f ateam Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently Essential Interacting with collaborators, representing the group and institutions externally Essential Initiative and applying problem solving Essential innovative, contribute novel perspectives to projects Essential
Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Representing the line managers and organisations as requested Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the project teams, , promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the employers Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours staff, ensuring it is a great place to to work Essential Willingness to travel occasionally Essential Willingness to work ocassionaly outside standard working hours when required Essential

The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.

We are building a future where the biology of any organism can be understood by analysing its genome.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

Our Science

Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure.

We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe.

Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

The Earlham Institute champions 'team science'.

Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact.

We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

The applicant will be co-affiliated with the Earlham Institute, where they will interact remotely online (virtual working) on a weekly basis and occasionally in person in one-day visits.

Applications are invited for a KTP Associate to join the Research Faculty at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

The applicant will be co-affiliated to the Earlham Institute, where they will interact remotely online (virtual working) on weekly basis and occasionally in person in one-day visits.

This is a unique opportunity to work on an innovative project, at the intersection of industry and academia, focusing on the application of genomics-based analyses for the development of marker-assisted selection protocols, with the aim of optimising the breeding of superior celery varieties.

Based at Tozer Seeds Innovation Centre in Cobham, Surrey, the work will be multidisciplinary in nature, requiring engagement in bioinformatics, laboratory, and field-based variety trials, drawing on fundamental plant biology and bioinformatics skills, and a good understanding on how crop improvement works.

A personal training and development budget will also be available for you to access, as well as receiving access to the training and facilities at both the Earlham Institute and Tozer Seeds.

The applicant will develop trials, genotyping and phenotyping datasets, and GWAS statistical analysis, for marker discovery in a non-model vegetable crop species (celery).

They will also implement these markers for selection of large off spring populations into an active commercial vegetable breeding programme.

The work will involve trial design, overseeing population phenotyping in field trials (UK, Spain, California) and hands-on laboratory screening assays, completing statistical analysis of multi-season multi-location trial data, bioinformatic analysis of large biological datasets, developing and documenting bioinformatic analyses and training colleagues in them, and engaging with stakeholders in the vegetable variety market, such as growers and sales/marketing colleagues.

As part of the broader scope of the KTP, the associate is expected to gain a full understanding of all business operational activities and how different teams interact to achieve commercial success.

The successful applicant will have a Masters in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a Molecular Biology discipline with a strong computational element.

A PhD in the same discipline would be advantageous.

Candidates will have laboratory experience (molecular) in DNA extractions, PCR/qPCR, have a good understanding of bioinformatic (computational biology) analysis, and knowledge in Molecular Biology principles.

They should also have experience in computational analysis of next-gen sequencing (NGS) datasets, and genotyping and phenotyping datasets, as well as experience of working in a highly collaborative research environment with evidence of writing and reporting results in research.

The applicant will have access to world-class breeding facilities and training at Tozer Seeds, and cutting-edge bioinformatics training and facilities at Earlham Institute.

Salary on appointment will be within the range of £34,950 to £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 30 months.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.