Computational Biologist

at  University of Glasgow

FOR APPOINTMENT AT GRADE 7

1. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research.
2. To help develop and maintain external collaborations, nationally and internationally in line with the project goals.
3. A track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject and related areas.
4. To sustain an international profile for the project through presentation of results at national and international conferences.
   These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities evolve.

JOB PURPOSE

The post holder will join the computational research laboratory of Prof David L Robertson to carry out research into virus emergence and evolution. The project will be on SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus variation and evolution with focus on determinants of immune escape and characterising mutations of functional significance, including host-specificity. The post will involve using computational and machine learning methods to analyse SARS-CoV-2 and related coronavirus genome sequence data. This will exploit machine learning models such as protein language models that link amino acid sequences to their protein structure context and can be used to assess the impact of mutations. The post holder will work with researchers based in the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (https://bioinformatics.cvr.ac.uk) and Dr Ke Yuan in the School of Computer Science. The successful candidate will have a track record in artificial intelligence/machine learning methods, and an excellent understanding of computional biology and bioinformatics. Experience with genomics, virology and evolutionay biology would be an advantage.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables. This will involve taking a leading role working with the project partners to support project’s analytical objectives.
2. To perform research using machine learning approaches for studying virus genome mutation in the context of protein structure.
3. To interact with other computational biology and data science researchers at the University of Glasgow.
4. To assist and contribute to the delivery of the project’s research objectives.
5. To develop and enhance your individual research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow, including writing and contributing to publications to communicate findings.
6. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
7. Keep up-to-date with relevant bioinformatics and machine learning literature and develop expertise on infectious bronchitis virus.
8. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
9. Contribute to the supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
11. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.