Bioinformatician

MVLS / SCHOOL OF MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES

GRADE 6/7

Job Purpose

To make a leading data analysis and/or bioinformatic contribution to the project ‘Somatic instability in Huntington disease’ working with Prof. Darren Monckton. Prof Monckton’s team use targeted and whole genome sequencing of large patient cohorts, combined with other molecular and clinical data, to understand the genome-wide genetic variants of Huntington disease onset, severity and progression, with a particular focus on the role of somatic repeat expansion. These efforts are aimed at defining therapeutic targets and molecular biomarkers. The successful candidate will join an ongoing research program to provide molecular biological, genetic, and data analysis expertise to the research team. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research reports, publications, and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support research within the group to further our understanding of the genetic basis of Huntington disease.

2. Acquire and assemble relevant molecular datasets; perform bioinformatic and data analyses using appropriate statistical tests and interpret the results.

3. Perform statistical analysis of large data sets, using appropriate statistical tools and pipelines and interpret the results.

4. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting regular progress reports for funders.

5. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation as appropriate.

6. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/Monckton group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

7. Develop personal skills, training, and experience for career advancement.

8. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

9. Enhance the University’s international profile in line with its Strategic Plan, “Inspiring People; Changing the World”.

10. Contribute towards developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, funders, industrial partners, and academic colleagues.

11. Present research at internal/external meetings with funders, international and national conferences, and at internal and external seminars, to develop and enhance our research profile.

12. Contribute to the supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

For grade 7 appointment:

13. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, funders, industrial partners, and academic colleagues.

14. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

15. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical experience of analysing genetic data.

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of human genetics research.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

A4. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Desirable (for Grade 6):

B1. An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

B2. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent, or current enrolment as a postgraduate research student in a relevant specialism.

B3.. Detailed knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies.

B4. Knowledge of Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and related disorders.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Data analysis/interpretation skills including IT and bioinformatics skills.

C2. Excellent inter-personal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C3. Appropriate workload and prioritisation skills, including the ability to balance competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.

C4. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C5. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

For appointment at grade 7

Essential:

C6. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

C7. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Experience of programming in R, Python, and SQL.

E2. Experience of analysing DNA sequence variants or DNA sequencing data.

E3. Experience of statistical analysis, handling high volume, complex and/or sensitive data.

E4. Experience of interpreting the requirements of others and generating high quality work to meet research objectives.

E5. Experience of working collaboratively with others towards a common goal.

E6. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E7. Expertise in data visualisation.

E8. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including ability to communicate complex and/or large volume data clearly and concisely to a varied audience, including non-statisticians.

Desirable

F1. Expertise in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

For appointment at grade 7

Essential:

E9. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E10. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E11. Experience in undertaking independent research.

E12. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support replication.

E13. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Desirable at grade 7:

F1. Experience in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

F2. Experience of human genetics research including genome wide association studies and/or whole genome sequencing.

F3. Experience of research into Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and related disorders.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Darren Monckton via email     

Darren.Monckton@glasgow.ac.uk 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full-time and has funding until 31 May 2027.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date:  21 October 2025 at 23:45