Research Scientist

As part of the Cellular Genomics and Decoding Biodiversity Institute Strategic Programmes, the role will engage with primary research. The post holder will lead on the production and analyses of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic data encompassing population, and single cell data as part of the project. The post holder will also lead on the analysis, preparation, and submission of the associated manuscripts.
They will be required to work with relevant EI staff and with outside collaborators to carry out necessary research to meet key deliverables for the project.
The successful candidate may also act as a key technical resource to clarify issues, participate in analysis, and apply comprehensive knowledge to contribute to the completion of assignments as part of several research projects. Group leaders at EI, EI’s Director and Senior Management Team. EI’s Science Faculty groups, NBRI and communications and training teams.
BBSRC officers, academic and industrial stakeholders Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage Applies a combination of ‘wet-lab’ techniques involving molecular biology and along with the associated bioinformatic techniques 40 To execute research tasks and participate in data analysis associated with objectives sets as part of the Cellular Genomics and Decoding Biodiversity ISPs 20 Develop analytical pipelines for the reproducible handling and analysis of omics diversity data 10 Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media 10 Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications 5 Disseminate research findings though presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings. 5 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 5 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post 5
Requirement Importance PhD in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related subject Essential
Requirement Importance Experience of molecular biology techniques, DNA/RNA sample preparation for NGS Essential Experience in comparative genomics analyses Essential Experience of transcriptomics, epigenomic, genomics analyses Essential Pertinent experience in Linux and in shell scripting Desirable Demonstrated skills in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, Perl, R Desirable
Requirement Importance Experience in genomics or genetics projects Essential Experience with evolutionary biology and developmental biology projects Essential Experience with genome sequencing and analysis Essential
Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Must be able to travel and work a non-conventional work pattern at times Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to work 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.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Wilfried Haerty in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
Climate change imposes unprecedented challenges to organisms, both through the rapid change of their environment (e.g. temperature increase, droughts) and through exposure to emerging pathogens.Within this context, we aim to understand both the immediate response of an organism to environmental challenges and to characterise thegenomic bases of adaptation to environment and resistance to pathogens. To achieve these goals, we leverage existing genetic diversity and specific environmental adaptations in closely related species and wild populations. We are applying this framework to the Nile tilapia, the third most important freshwater aquaculture species, for which we have generated significant genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic resources both for high-performance strains, wild population, and closely related species adapted to different environments.
As part of the Institute Strategic Programmes Cellular Genomics and Decoding Biodiversity, two highly collaborative projects bringing together molecular biologists, computational biologists, and computer scientists, we are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Postdoctoral Research Scientist to undertake experimental and computational analyses to unveil the genomic and transcriptomic bases of environmental acclimatisation and adaptation.
The successful candidate will apply molecular biology protocols to prepare ATAC-Seq, RNA-Seq, and DNA-Seq libraries from both bulk and single cell samples. The project is led by Dr Wilfried Haerty, and the successful candidate will work closely with groups across EI (Dr Iain Macaulay) and with external collaborators.
At EI, the post holder will have access to cutting-edge facilities, and high-performance computing facilities and expertise. They will join an active community of experimental and computational biologists working on a wide range of cellular genomics and single-cell analyses. They will have the opportunity to contribute to other projects and the overall development and implementation of single-cell genomic approaches at EI.
The successful applicant will have a PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related subject. They will have significant experience generating and working with genomic/epigenomic/transcriptomic data. Bioinformatic knowledge and experience in programming languages such as Python, Perl, or R would be desirable.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £35,300 to £43,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 36 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.