Research Associate - School of Biosciences - 106280 - Grade 6
Join to apply for the Research Associate - School of Biosciences - 106280 - Grade 6 role at University of Birmingham.
Role Summary
To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. This project studies the diversity and evolutionary history of giant Starship transposons within fungal genomes. The RA will be directly involved in the bioinformatic identification of Starships and other transposons in the whole genomes of Bipolaris sorokiniana, Parastagonospora nodorum, Phyrenophora tritici-repentis and other related species. The RA should have experience in using bioinformatic tools such as Starfish, NCBI BLAST, and LASTZ to identify transposons de novo in assembled genomes, find homologous sequences in other publicly available genomes and perform whole genome alignments. The RA should be able to install and run new bioinformatic software as needed, be proactive in identifying new tools or writing analyses pipelines (Rstudio notebooks, Snakemake, Nextflow) that can be used by other lab members, and assist a current PhD student with de novo assembly and annotation of fungal genomes. The RA will participate in assembling data, figures and text for draft manuscripts.
Main Duties
* Install and run bioinformatic software as needed, including but not limited to Starfish, Lastz, NCBI blast+
* Use a wide range of bioinformatic tools to identify and annotate fungal genes and transposons in genome assemblies
* Organise and plan for sharing of all datasets through the Lab Teams site for long term use of gene and transposon annotations
* Produce R or Jupyter notebooks that can be used by other less experienced members of the lab to perform similar analyses
* Train other students in the use of these programs
* Collect and analyse research data using methods such as experiments, literature reviews, and research interviews
* Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
* Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
* Provide guidance to support staff and any students assisting with research
* Address problems that may affect achievement of research objectives and deadlines
* Carry out administrative tasks related to the delivery of the research
* Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Person Specification
* Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
* Practical experience applying the relevant skills and techniques
* Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
* Ability to access and organise resources successfully
* Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and how to ensure those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly in day-to-day activity
Informal enquiries to Megan McDonald, email: m.c.mcdonald@bham.ac.uk
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre focused on improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work. We are also committed to sustainability as part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university on our website.
Salary and Contract Details
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary range: £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression to £39,906
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2025
Closing date: 28 September 2025
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