The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
Job Description
Job Title: Statistician
Tenure: Until 31st August 2011 in the first instance with the possibility of extension.
Grade: Grade 7, £28,983 to £35,646 with a discretionary range to £38,951
Reporting to: Dr Julian Knight
The Knight group at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics (WTCHG) is seeking to recruit a talented individual with expertise in bioinformatics and statistics to support functional genomic studies of inflammation and immunity funded by the Wellcome Trust. This research aims to define functionally important genetic variation modulating gene expression in order to compliment and inform disease association studies of complex traits. The post will involve analysis of gene expression microarray, high-throughput sequence and genotype data. The work will use state-of-the-art technologies and analytical approaches, providing unique opportunities to define functionally important causal genetic variation underlying common complex traits.
Overview of projects
The overall aim of our research programme is to understand the genetic basis of susceptibility to common infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (www.well.ox.ac.uk/knight-j). We seek to do so by adopting a functional genomics approach in which we investigate how naturally occurring genetic variation between individuals modulates expression of genes critical to mounting an appropriate immune and inflammatory response. We have recently established substantial genome-wide expression microarray and genotyping datasets to map gene expression as quantitative trait for a variety of specific induced phenotypes including response to endotoxin and heat shock. Our ongoing sample collections include data from lymphoblastoid cell lines and from primary peripheral blood cells involving large cohorts of healthy volunteers and patients with sepsis. We also carry out transcription profiling using high throughput sequencing (RNA-seq and ChIP-seq) to define the transcriptome, specific histone modifications and transcription factor occupancy. These datasets allow for integrated analysis to map genetic variation modulating gene expression, and is complimented by detailed molecular characterisation of specific genetic variants. Our group has particular expertise in molecular genetics and immunology and includes basic and clinician scientists. We collaborate with a number of groups conducting genome-wide association studies both within the WTCHG and externally. This ensures that our approach compliments and is informed by disease association mapping at a population level.
Main responsibilities
· To report to Dr Julian Knight, meeting regularly to ensure that appropriate work is performed;
· To manage and analyse microarray, high throughput sequencing and genotyping data as part of gene expression profiling, quantitative trait mapping, imputation and high throughput sequencing (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq) studies;
· To implement and maintain appropriate software tools, algorithms and statistical methods for data analysis;
· To be an integrated member of the research team to facilitate training and bioinformatic support of group members;
· To participate in group meetings, generate high-quality manuscripts, and contribute to discussions of the aims and objectives of the group;
· To keep abreast of the relevant literature and methodology developments as they pertain to the work;
· To hold frequent discussions with members of the Sequence Analysis, Bioinformatics and Genomic Services Core groups to remain aware of ongoing developments;
· To perform any other comparable duties as may reasonably be required to ensure the efficient running of the projects.
General responsibilities
· To be accountable for your professional conduct within the Group and the Centre
· To undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time that are commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of this post.
· To ensure such that all conduct is with due regard to the University Equal Opportunities and Data Protection policies
Relationships
Primary responsibilities for line management will be with Dr Knight. However, the post holder is encouraged to develop strong working relationships with other members of WTCHG including
· Dr David Buck (Head of Sequencing Services)
· Professor Gil McVean (Head of Bioinformatics Core)
· Dr Gerton Lunter (Head of Sequencing Bioinformatics)
· Dr Helen Lockstone (Head of Functional Data Analysis)
Selection criteria
Essential
· PhD or equivalent experience in statistics
· Experience in statistical and population genetics
Highly desirable
· Experience of working with large complex biological datasets
· Statistical analysis of complex traits including gene expression datasets
· Experience of working with high throughput sequencing data
· Excellent written and oral communication skills
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
The environment: The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
The WTCHG (Director: Professor Peter Donnelly, FRS) is a leading international centres for the study of the genetic basis of common human diseases (www.well.ox.ac.uk). The centre includes high-profile groups pursuing the genetic basis of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric, inflammation and immunity phenotypes. The WTCHG has led the efforts of the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium and been responsible for advancing the application of large-scale genetic analysis to the dissection of common human phenotypes. The centre provides a unique integrated environment which includes core genomics facilities, bioinformatics and statistical genetics. The WTCHG provides an extremely strong computing infrastructure for genetic analysis and has recently invested heavily in high-throughput next-generation resequencing. The WTCHG currently has installed 7 Illumina GA2 and 2 Roche/454 high-throughput (HT) sequencers and was recently awarded MRC Sequencing Hub status.
The Genomics core has both an R&D (led by Dr Ioannis Ragoussis) and Service (Dr David Buck) component, responsible respectively for the evaluation of new technologies and experimental protocols and for their delivery in production-mode. Of ~20 members of the Genomics Core, ~10 are funded through the Wellcome Trust Core award and the remainder through other funding. The Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics cores (led by Professor Gil McVean) include ~13 FTEs with the remit to support and collaborate with WTCHG staff on projects in genetic association, functional genomics, high-throughput sequence analysis (the last of these led by Dr Gerton Lunter), scientific computing, system administration and databases. The individuals in these core posts are closely integrated with other centre members working in these areas who are supported by PI-led funding (e.g. project grants, program grants and fellowships).
The WTCHG forms part of the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford, one of the strongest departments of clinical academic medicine in the country (see www.ndm.ox.ac.uk for further details).
Working for the University of Oxford
At the University of Oxford, we’re naturally very proud of our outstanding reputation for scholarship and research. But we’re also proud to say that we’re one of the region’s biggest and best-established employers, with a diversity of staff helping to sustain our success – from laboratory assistants, cleaners, technicians and secretaries, to IT, finance and administrative professionals. Join us, and you can expect to find yourself working in a friendly, open-minded atmosphere where your ideas will be welcomed, with an interesting and satisfying job to do, and with plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, or maybe even get some extra qualifications.
As well as pay and other benefits such as generous holidays and excellent pension scheme, we may be able to help you with:
· Training – We train our staff, both in the skills needed for starting the job, and to help them develop afterwards. If you don’t have all the skills we are looking for (e.g. computer packages), but you know you are a quick learner, its worth asking if training might be available.
· Working Hours – We may be able to be flexible about working patterns to help you combine work with responsibilities at home. Even for full-time jobs, we can often adjust starting and finishing times, or even sometimes consider term-time-only working: if this is important to you, let us know.
· Disability – If you have a disability, we have specialist staff who can help you to start and stay in work.
· Childcare – The University offers subsidised nursery places, and tax and National savings schemes. Please note that there is a long waiting list for nursery places. It is particularly important to refer to the website http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/child for further information including up to date information about the length of the waiting list and alternative sources of information about childcare in the Oxford.
· Parenting – The University has a generous maternity leave scheme and also offers paternity leave to expectant fathers and partners, and adoption leave.
· Cultural and Religious needs – We respect the cultural and religious lives of our staff. If you need time away from work, or special facilities, and can give plenty of notice for arrangements to be made, this will always be considered.
· Travel Arrangements – We offer an interest free-season ticket loan scheme for bus or train season tickets. Annual passes for Oxford Bus Company routes are available at discounted rates.
· Use of University Facilities – All University staff can use the study facilities provided by the University libraries and museums; join the University Club, a sports and social club which has its own bar, café, and reading room; and make use of the University Sports Complex and the Pulse fitness centre.
· Discounts – A number of discounts are available to University staff e.g. for insurance, holiday travel, and computer equipment.
The range of benefits is continuously reviewed and extended. For further information see www.admin.ox.ac.uk/ps/staff/benefits/
If you come from outside the area, you may be interested to know that as well as the famous tourist attractions such as the ‘dreaming spires’ of all the lovely old buildings, the river and a number of attractive parks and gardens, Oxford also has a busy shopping centre and a lively nightlife, particularly during term time. Housing is relatively expensive within the city, but nearby areas such as Didcot or Bicester are more reasonable priced. Although car parking is difficult during the day, there are good train and bus services, including several ‘Park and Ride’ routes; and of course, lots of cycle paths.
Pay and Benefits
The salary offered for full-time appointment to this job will be in University Grade 7, £28,983 to£35,646 with a discretionary £38,951, depending on qualifications and experience. If you are appointed at a salary below the top of this range, your salary will automatically be increased each year until you have reached the top point. There is also an annual ‘cost of living’ salary review, which normally takes place in summer each year. Pay and benefits for part-time appointments are worked out on a ‘pro rata’ basis.
For a full – time appointment, the annual holiday entitlement will be 38 days (including 8 public holidays). Your hours of work are such as are reasonably required to carry out your duties to the satisfaction of your head of department.
The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period, during which the notice period will be one month on either side. Once the appointment has been confirmed, the notice period will be three months either side.
The position is available until 31st August 2011 in the first instance and will be funded by The Wellcome Trust.
Staff
The age of retirement for university appointments is 65. Staff are eligible to join the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) which is a contributory scheme. Subject to the Statement of Pensions Policy, which will be issued to the successful candidate, the appointee will be deemed to be in membership of the USS until such time as he or she gives notice in writing to exercise the right not to be a member of the scheme.
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics has a NO SMOKING policy.
How to apply
To apply, please write a letter of application and send a detailed CV and return it to:
Personnel Administrator
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
Roosevelt Drive
Oxford
OX3 7BN or by fax to 01865 287516 or email to by no later than Friday 13th August 2010. Applicants received after this date will not be considered. Please make sure you quote reference number H5-10-050-JK at the beginning of your application.
The list of duties and the ‘selection criteria’ for this job describe the sort of skills, experience, knowledge or abilities which we are looking for. We will interview those whose applications best meet these criteria, so it is very important that you should use your application to explain how you can match them. Remember that you will have gained abilities, experience and skills from many aspects of your life; some may come from education or work, and others from home or community life. Tell us about which schools or colleges you went to and any qualifications you have. List employment, voluntary work, hobbies, or family responsibilities which help to show you meet the selection criteria.
Please give the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two people you are prepared to give you a reference for this job. If you have previously been employed, your referees should be people who have direct experience of your work through closely working with you for a considerable period, and at least one of them should be your formal line manager in your most recent job. Otherwise they can be people who know you from recent college, school, or voluntary experience. It is helpful if you can tell us briefly how each referee knows you (e.g. ‘line manager’. ‘Work colleague’, ‘college tutor’).
Your referees will be asked to look at the job details and tell us if, in their opinion, you could do the job. We will assume that we can approach them at any stage unless you tell us otherwise when you apply. So, if you wish us to ask for your permission before approaching a particular referee, or to contact them only under your circumstances (for example if we are calling you for an interview, or if we have made you a conditional offer), you must state this explicitly alongside the details of the relevant referee(s).
Your appointment will be subject to (i) the return of a completed medical questionnaire which is acceptable to the University, (ii) the provision of original documentation which indicates your right to work in the UK, and (iii) the completion of an initial probationary period of 6 months.
Equal opportunities at the University of Oxford
As an Equal Opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from people of different backgrounds. All our jobs are filled in line with our equal opportunities code of practice, which helps us make sure that men and women, people of different races, and those with disabilities are all treated fairly.