______
Faculty of Medicine and Health School of Medicine Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Section of Genetics
Career Development Fellowship in Functional Genomics (2 posts available)
Fixed term for three years and available immediately on a full-time basis
An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen to support the development and career progression of early career researchers in areas of recognised strategic importance to the School of Medicine.
We are looking for talented, highly motivated post-doctoral researchers to join the Institute to establish independent and substantial research portfolios in the structural and functional characterisation of genes and mutations with medical significance. Main areas of clinical research are in neurologic, neuromuscular and developmental diseases in children but we welcome applications from individuals with interests in other areas that could contribute to the research of the Section.
The Career Development Fellowship is funded, through investment from the School of Medicine, for a period of three years to allow you to develop your own academic research profile, including submission of grant and fellowship applications and publications in high quality journals. It is expected that research activities undertaken will enable you to ultimately secure a personal fellowship.
You will progress through a detailed probation development plan and will also receive focused support and mentorship to aid you in achieving these objectives and realising your potential.
There is a well-developed pipeline for the identification of novel disease genes, with access to state of the art Next Generation sequencing facilities, Bioinformatics, and Single Cell Genomics. You will have direct access to unique clinical resources, as a result of the close working partnership between researchers in the section of genetics and colleagues at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and access to the wide range of facilities and the clinical material to develop your own research portfolio within the context of the Section’s activity.
You should have expertise in one or more general areas of functional genomics/bioinformatics, with the following given as examples:
Whole Exome Sequencing Single-cell functional genomics methods such as transcriptome profiling Methods to analyse biochemical interactions between proteins and/or small molecules Methods to interrogate the effect of mutations on protein functions/interactions Developing your own bioinformatics tools and/or bespoke programs You will join an enthusiastic team of researchers and will be expected to collaborate with research teams throughout the institute, the School of Medicine and the wider university. You will contribute to the scientific strategy and teaching commitments of the institute, including our new BSc courses in Molecular Medicine and Human Genetics.
Candidates must be enthusiastic, highly motivated and demonstrate a high level of relevant laboratory experience and technical competence. You must have a strong track record in successful research and a developing publication record in high impact peer reviewed journals. You will possess the ability to manage your time effectively and work under pressure, exhibiting effective interpersonal, communication, and team-working skills. Adaptability to and enthusiasm for new technologies is desirable.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies). The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees.
University Grade 7 (£31,656 – £37,768 p.a) depending upon qualifications and experience
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Professor Eamonn Sheridan, email: [email protected] or Professor David Bonthron email: [email protected]
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Colette Cornelly, email [email protected] or telephone +44(0)113 2069229 or Sharon Collins, [email protected] or telephone 0113 2066949.
Job Ref: MHBCS1029 Closing Date: 14 July 2016 JOB SUMMARY
This post will be held within the Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (LIBACS). The scientist will be based in the Section of Genetics within LIBACS at the St James’s University Hospital site.
Context
Researchers in the Section of Genetics work in close partnership with colleagues at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we have direct access to clinical material. Many of these patients suffer from diseases which are poorly characterised but which are amenable to genetic investigation. Prof Sheridan and Prof Bonthron are themselves Academic Clinical Geneticists. This gives access to a unique clinical resource in which the incidence of birth defects is twice that of the general population. Our main areas of clinical research are in neurologic, neuromuscular and developmental diseases in children but we are also interested in Fellows with interests in other areas.
We have a well-developed pipeline for the identification of novel disease genes, with access to state of the art Next Generation sequencing facilities, Bioinformatics, and Single Cell Genomics. We functionally characterise novel disease genes by modelling in both cellular and animal systems. We have established collaborations with industrial partners, which will facilitate the development of stem cell approaches to these problems, and also the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to investigate disease causing genes. We have novel animal models for disorders which appointees will have access to if they wish. There are excellent links between the Section of Genetics and the Leeds Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology which enables structural and functional characterisation of novel genes and mutations using X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy.
The University currently hosts two MRC Centres of Excellence: the MRC Centre for Medical Bioinformatics (Director: Professor Sir Alex Markham) and the MRC Centre for Single Cell Functional Genomics (Director: Professor David Bonthron).
The Fellows will have access to these facilities and the clinical material to develop their own research portfolio within the context of the Section’s activity.
Potential candidates should have expertise in one or more general areas of functional genomics/bioinformatics, with the following given as examples: Whole Exome Sequencing Single-cell functional genomics methods such as transcriptome profiling Methods to analyse biochemical interactions between proteins and/or small molecules Methods to interrogate the effect of mutations on protein functions/interactions Developing your own bioinformatics tools and/or bespoke programs
Further details of the range of research activities are described on our web pages: http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/345/genetics
The Career Development Fellow will specialise in the functional characterisation of disease causing genes. They will be expected to develop their own academic research profile and foster academic excellence in their field of excellence. The role will develop over the three year term to support the Fellow securing a competitive external independent fellowship. This includes research output, teaching, PGR student supervision and other aspects such as leadership, contributing to strategic initiatives and promoting the development of the School. Mentorship will be provided to achieve these goals.
Mentorship Under the guidance of an academic mentor, plan and manage your own research activity (in collaboration with others as appropriate), assisting in designing specific strategies towards achieving the research goals of the project and managing individual components of the study. Main Develop an academic research portfolio with the aim of securing a competitive external independent fellowship. Determining strategy for own research activities that complement and strengthen LIBACS and SoM. Generate research output (e.g. publications/presentations). Lead in the writing of high quality publications in independently peer-reviewed journals of a high international calibre to underpin high quality research activity. Contribute to grant success; you would be expected to lead as PI on smaller awards, but to also contribute to larger applications as CoI.
Strategic Input to the long-term strategy for the development and sustainability of activities in gene discovery, functional genomics and bioinformatics, Developing and manage a research group with broadening research interests
Research Actively engage with the regional human molecular genetics community, ensuring research outputs are shared via existing networks and providing specialist knowledge to others. Identify future opportunities for research and preparing proposals and funding applications. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and for future collaboration. Design and troubleshot your own experimental approaches. Evaluate methods, techniques and results for a wide range of techniques; assess new bioinformatics analysis strategies for research and for clinical use (as appropriate). Communicate and/or present research results within the Group and Section. Present research results at conferences at local, national and international levels. Articulate and convey the impact of research, clearly showing the wider benefits that research could generate. Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory and other records. Treat data with confidentiality and in accordance with current policies. Work collaboratively with other staff/students within the Group and other research groups as appropriate, including external collaborators.
Student Education Contribute effectively to the development of local learning and teaching / student support policies. Be involved in the supervision of students undertaking research projects as appropriate.
Leadership and Management Encourage and promote good working practices within the team and within the Institute. Provide guidance, support, training and assistance in relevant techniques to staff and students within the Institute. Be aware of the risks in the laboratory environment and working in accordance with the GM and COSSH assessments. Contribute to assessments when appropriate. Contribute effectively to the management and administrative processes and committee structures of the institute, school, faculty and university. As appropriate, provide scientific guidance, giving talks, entertaining visitors and demonstrating group research to others. Maintain own continuing professional development. Actively support and adhere to the Faculty’s commitment to Equality and Diversity in line with the requirements of the Faculty Diversity Action Plan.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities. RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to Professor Eamonn Sheridan through whom they will be accountable to the Head of Section, the Director of the Institute and to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Health. They will be expected to interact with other members of the Institute, comprising academics, post-doctoral research fellows, PhD students and research support staff, and to present data at Group, Section and Institute meetings.
UNIVERSITY VALUES
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More information about the university’s strategy and values is available at: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/ PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential - Specific Demonstrable experience in, or an understanding of: RT-PCR and quantitative (real time)-PCR, and molecular cloning techniques. DNA sequencing, including whole exome sequencing, preparative and analysis methodologies. Biochemical assays of protein function, assays of protein/protein interactions. Trouble-shooting, problem-solving and development of relevant experimental and/or bioinformatics protocols.
Essential - General A PhD in molecular/cell biology or a relevant biomedical subject or bioinformatics. Substantial research experience in molecular genetics, bioinformatics and/or developmental biology. A demonstrable interest in medical genetics. Demonstrable experience in (or an understanding of) biochemical assays, RT-PCR and quantitative (real time)-PCR, and molecular cloning techniques. A proven track record of direct sequencing, including whole exome sequencing, preparative and analysis methodologies. Demonstrable experience of trouble-shooting, problem-solving and development of relevant experimental and bioinformatics protocols. Demonstrable working knowledge of modern concepts in molecular genetics, recent technological advances and relevant theoretical information. Proven ability to analyse and interpret research results. A strong track-record in biological research and a developing publication record in high impact peer reviewed journals. The ability to work and think independently and lead the planning of a programme of research in the field whilst building and maintaining collaborations with other researchers working in related areas. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written and oral presentation skills, with the ability to interact across disciplines and levels and drive collaborative working. Experience of managing/mentoring less experienced colleagues and/or undergraduate and postgraduate students. Effective organisational ability, including the time management and task prioritisation and able to work under pressure A demonstrable understanding of health and safety issues within the research setting. A demonstrable understanding of translational research. Demonstrable knowledge of the scientific literature in the field of the project Evidence of successful application for start-up or project grant funding Strong IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and data analysis packages. A willingness to work flexibly, when necessary, to fulfil the needs of the research project.
Desirable Willingness to learn and adopt new computational approaches to biological data analysis (including large data sets), particularly in the development of clinical bioinformatics and standardised databases. An interest in new technologies, for example, willingness to expand technological capabilities in different aspects of next generation sequencing (such as clinical exomes, target enrichment for gene-centric applications or molecular cytogenetics). Previous experience of teaching and a willingness to develop more skills in this area. FUTHER INFORMATION
Faculty Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £50m, the Faculty of Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one of the largest medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged world leader in cancer, cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health services research. Treatments developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people around the world living with conditions such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for research and education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities, locally and globally, through excellent scientific research and the translation of that research into healthcare practice, and through the education of future scientific and clinical leaders who will advocate and practise an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic aims are to:
Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied health research that makes a significant difference to health. Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence and who will form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders. Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic activities. Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and teaching within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and supports the university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School works closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure this relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) Director: Professor Mark Kearney
LICAMM integrates basic and clinical scientists with a common goal of understanding the mechanisms underpinning common chronic diseases of human health and developing new approaches to treating patients at an individual and population level. At the heart of LICAMM’s philosophy is a vibrant multidisciplinary approach to science that provides a platform to deliver internationally competitive translational research and teaching in disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases) our key aim is to improve the lives of our patients and the experience of our students.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Director: Professor Tim Ensor
LIHS delivers problem-driven research that supports decisions about the content or delivery of healthcare. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates expertise in applied health research designs, health implementation sciences, social sciences, health economics, informatics and statistics, as well as skills in communicating with basic scientists, policy makers, healthcare providers, public and patients. We conduct research at the individual, population and organisational level.
Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) Director: Professor Trudie Roberts
LIME provides the administrative support, co-ordination and leadership for the School of Medicine’s undergraduate medical degree, including admissions, curriculum development, assessment, student support and clinical placement liaison. It provides the technology- enhanced learning and innovation support for the School of Medicine. LIME also has a very active scholarship programme of research and innovation in medical education and uses its expertise to influence medical education policy and practice nationally and internationally. To achieve this it works with a range of stakeholders including the academic community, the profession, the public, regulators and policy makers.
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP) Director: Professor Tim Bishop
The Leeds Institute of Cancer Studies and Pathology addresses both laboratory-based and clinical research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the largest cancer Institutes’ in the country and has major financial support from the cancer charities. The laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with laboratory activities being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent buildings while the clinical work is based within Bexley Wing.
Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (LIBACS) Director: Professor Philip Hopkins
LIBACS undertakes clinically-driven research from the level of the gene through cellular, tissue and organ to clinical trials. Our vision is to develop a sustainable centre of excellence for the advancement of patient care by translating research results into clinical practise and contributing to medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our research interests are encapsulated in 6 clinical themes (Gastrointestinal inflammation & tumorigenesis, Genetic disorders, Infection & immunity, Neuroscience, Perinatal medicine, Perioperative outcomes & technologies) underpinned by 4 generic science technology strands (Animal models, Cell biology, Gene regulation & Genomics). We are based predominantly at the St James’s University Hospital site.
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM) Director: Professor Paul Emery
LIRMM is dedicated to improving diagnosis, therapy, intervention and outcome across the spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal medicine. It boasts a dynamic portfolio of research and education, delivering wide-ranging clinical, translational and basic research across five Sections: Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine, Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, Clinical Biomechanics and Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine and Orthopaedics. A multi-disciplinary approach is the core of our activities, with significant interdisciplinary links between Experimental and Clinical research. LIRMM’s clinical activities are focussed at Chapel Allerton Hospital, which is also base for our NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU) and our basic sciences at St James’s University Hospital.
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research (LICTR) irector: Professor Julia Brown
LICTR delivers innovative design, delivery and knowledge transfer in clinical trials research. Our multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with basic scientists, clinicians, policy makers, healthcare providers, public and patients and University colleagues, delivers internationally competitive research and teaching that makes a significant contribution to the evidence base for healthcare delivery. The Institutes research is conducted through the Clinical Trials Research Unit where we have expertise in design and conduct of complex clinical trials incorporating novel designs to evaluate CTIMPs, complex interventions, diagnostics, medical devices and surgery. St James’s University Hospital Campus Infrastructure and Facilities (SCIF) This group covers activities that cover School of Medicine functions for Institutes at St James’s University Hospital that span more than one institute including biomedical research facilities, student education, IT, health and safety, estates, seminars, PGR studentships and business support functions. These functions help support the 5 adjacent buildings on the site.
There are three Institutes with staff and students at St James’s: LICAP (Leeds Institute of Cancer studies and Pathology), LIBACS (Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences), LIRMM (Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine). These three institutes are dedicated to basic, translational, clinical and health research integrated with student education. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position. However, applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’ section of the application form and send details to the Recruitment Officer
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building in the St James’s University Hospital site. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email [email protected] or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is available in the applicant guidance.