View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2403
Open Date 22/04/2024, 11:00 /*generated inline style */ Close Date /*generated inline style */ 12/05/2024, 23:55 /*generated inline style */ Research Institute 1 MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences /*generated inline style */ Research Institute / Unit Information 1
where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Funded by the MRC as part of UK Research and Innovation, the LMS has a collaborative working culture and new state-of-the-art building based in the heart of West London in the Hammersmith Hospital Campus (W12).
The LMS aims to deliver transdisciplinary team science, in synergistic interaction with Imperial College and the wider national research environment. Part of achieving this, is to recruit new talent and support postdoctoral scientists to become world leaders in their area of science.
/*generated inline style */ UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at
/*generated inline style */ Band 1 MRC - 4 /*generated inline style */ Location 1 London /*generated inline style */ Salary 1 £39,375 plus London allowances (£3,913 & £1,472) per annum /*generated inline style */ Allowances 1 Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 lump sum Settlement Allowance plus a yearly Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, paid in monthly instalments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two, and £1,800 in the third year. /*generated inline style */ Contract Type 1 Fixed Term /*generated inline style */ Job Type 1 Science /*generated inline style */ Full Time / Part Time 1 Full Time /*generated inline style */ Contract Length 1 3 years /*generated inline style */ Job Description 1
Overall Purpose:
The Computational Cardiac Imaging Group works at the intersection of clinical imaging, bioinformatics, computer vision and molecular cardiology to explore the mechanisms underlying heart function. The group uses machine learning to analyse cardiac motion for predicting patient outcomes, discovering potential therapeutic targets and identifying genetic risk factors. We use a flexible and inter-disciplinary approach to research that moves between individuals, populations and model organisms.
We are seeking a talented postdoctoral scientist with a background in human medical image analysis. The post holder will be a key member of our team developing cardiac image segmentation pipelines, 3D motion analysis and integration of imaging and genomic data. The work will involve developing sophisticated data modelling and prediction tasks using complex image-derived traits.
You will have an opportunity to work in a diverse team that brings together clinicians, mathematicians and geneticists to work on problems that are key to human health. There are excellent opportunities for development and training – including working part-time at the new Imperial-X centre for transformational innovation in AI. We offer excellent mentoring and support to reach your career goals. The post holder will have the opportunity to liaise with an extensive network of collaborators, attend scientific conferences, and publish the results of their work in leading journals.
Key skills:
1. Background in developing algorithms for biomedical image analysis
2. Experience of performing clustering and prediction tasks
3. Previous work on cardiac MR datasets is an advantage
4. Excellent programming skills in Python
5. Knowledge of HPC environments, Git and Docker an advantage
6. Working knowledge of bioinformatics packages also an advantage
Main Responsibilities:
7. To develop and manage cardiac image analysis pipelines and downstream analysis of 3D+t mesh-based representations
8. To manage large datasets including imaging and genomic resources in UK Biobank
9. To manage software pipelines using Git and Docker
10. To develop innovative solutions to imaging-genetic projects
11. To collaborate closely with other members of the team and external partners on various projects
12. To prepare work for publication and grant submissions
13. To present at seminars and conferences as necessary
14. To co-supervise MSc and PhD students
15. Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
16. To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
17. To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
18. To comply with the Institute, College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate
19. Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division
/*generated inline style */ Person Specification 1
Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
20. PhD (or equivalent) in Computer Science or a closely related discipline
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
21. Excellent skills in Python with proven ability in programming
22. Previous experience of biomedical image analysis especially segmentation and motion analysis
23. Previous experience in biomedical data science, imaging or genomic research with a track record of relevant publications and presentations
24. Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication
Desirable:
25. Previous experience of DNAnexus or UKB Research Analysis Platform
26. Experience of working with cardiac MR data
27. Experience in writing Bash scripts and using Linux environments
28. Familiar with HPC scheduling and using Docker
29. Good knowledge of Git for version control
30. Knowledge of statistics including regression modelling and controlling for multiple testing
31. Experience of using bioinformatics packages and pipeline development
32. Experience of managing large databases and data wrangling
33. Track record of software development and package creation
Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
34. Ability to conduct reproducible research
35. Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
36. Ability to develop and apply new concepts
37. Creative approach to problem-solving
38. Excellent verbal communication in English and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
39. Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work
40. Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
41. Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
42. Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the internet
43. Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
44. Flexible attitude towards work
45. Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
46. Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
/*generated inline style */