Research Associate - Department of Dentistry - 105503 - Grade 6

Position Details

Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,546 to £35,116 with potential progression once in post to £39,355

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2027 

Closing date: 21st April 2025

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Background

The Research Fellow will be supervised by Prof. Christopher Quince (Earlham Institute/Norwich UK), Prof. Iain Chapple (Birmingham), Prof. Moritz Kebschull and Prof. Tariq Iqbal (Birmingham). Their role will comprise both the development of bioinformatics pipelines and the application of novel machine learning methods for interpreting microbiome and host ‘omics data from faecal, intestinal biopsy and saliva samples. They will also provide general bioinformatics and analytic support to the BRC OGS Theme. The aim of this theme is to develop new diagnostic tools to profile an individual’s health from salivary samples. The Research Associate will, under the supervision of Prof. Christopher Quince, be responsible for organising, processing, and interpreting the data generated in the theme. They will then use this processed data to develop novel machine learning techniques for diagnosis of IBD from salivary samples. The Research Associate will be based at the Earlham Institute as a visiting scholar within Dr Quince’s group but work closely with the Birmingham team and be formally employed by the University of Birmingham. 

Role Summary

• Provide bioinformatics support to the BRC OGS Theme
• Process and analyse ‘omics data from salivary samples
• Develop new machine learning methods for IBD diagnosis
• Write relevant publications, give presentations and provide support to grant applications

Main Duties

• Develop bioinformatics pipelines for integrating metagenomic data from the oral cavity and the gut, as well as host-and microbiome-derived metatranscriptome data from salivary samples.
• Analyse research data (omics data sets).
• Apply and, where necessary, further develop, novel machine learning methods utilising cutting edge supervised and unsupervised strategies for interpreting the data and linking to IBD diagnosis in the presence of significant confounding factors.
• Organise large-scale sequence data sets.
• Communicate results at project meetings and conferences.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Support the development of novel, related research grant applications.
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• A First degree with strong quantitative and informatics component e.g. biological, biomedical, natural sciences, computing, physics, informatics or computer science.
• Basic mathematics e.g. calculus and probability.
• Ideally experience with command line and sequence analysis.
• Good programming skills (e.g. R, Python, C/C++).
• Knowledge of basic statistics and application in R or similar.
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and ideally experience developing novel methods.
• Understanding of basic biological principles and experience interpreting ‘omics data.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Professor Moritz Kebschull, email: m.kebschull@bham.ac.uk and Professor Chris Quince, email: christopher.quince@earlham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.