Postdoctoral Fellow - Population Geneticist (Sandhu Faculty)

Salary range: GBP31,115 to GBP39,004 dependent on experience. Fixed-term 3 years. Applications are invited for a Population Geneticist to join the Global Health and Population Group led by Dr Sandhu. The group has a strong focus on research in Africa, including leading large-scale whole genome sequencing efforts on several thousand individuals to characterise genetic diversity across Africa by integrating ancient and modern African genomes, both at the genome-wide level and with focus on complex regions such us the HLA. Additional areas of research broadly include global indigenous populations, transcriptomics, whole genome association studies of cardiometabolic and infectious disease traits in African populations and functional studies on iPSC lines. The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is a world leader in genomic research and has played a major role in large-scale sequencing efforts and in characterising patterns of human sequence variation. The successful candidate will work collaboratively to develop data analysis strategies to curate large-scale next generation sequencing data, including data generated with emerging technologies such as PacBio SMRT?? sequencing, 10x Genomics Chromium chemistry and BioNano Irys mapping system. They will have major roles in large collaborative projects such as the Genome Diversity in Africa Project, which includes also a collaboration with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) funded by USAID to build a HLA data resource for Africa, and they will address key questions about population genetics in relation to human history and health and disease Africa. An extra element of the work will include research capacity building in bioinformatics and large-scale data analysis in Africa, including supporting the development of a new data centre in Uganda. The post-holder will also interact with WTSI systems teams, international research groups, and support the work of other research group members, including capacity building projects in Africa. This is an exceptional opportunity for candidates to enhance their knowledge and skills while working at the frontline of global genomics research in a group recognised for their research excellence. Essential Skills * A PhD in computer science, computational biology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, or similar field; * Proven understanding and experience in the fields of statistical and population genetics, data processing, high-throughput data analysis, and genomic databases; * Understanding of genome structure is a must; * Direct experience processing NGS data (e.g. from Illumina platforms) for the identification of SNPs and structural variants; * A clear understanding of population genetics concepts and statistical methods; * Firm grasp of univariate statistical analysis fundamentals; * Strong computational skills, particularly in data parsing, cleansing, data modelling, analysis, and database design and implementation; * Knowledge and experience working in a unix/linux environment; * Demonstrated programming skills in shell scripting (e.g. bash, tcsh), interpreted/scripting languages (e.g. Perl, Python, R); * Programming skills in compiled language(s) (e.g. Java, C, C++); * Experience with cluster computing; * Ability to anticipate needs and problems while creating solutions; * Good written and verbal communication skills; * Ability to review, synthesise, and present scientific data and methods; * Experience providing advice, training and support to other researchers in the areas of bioinformatics and data analysis; * Demonstrable good time management and project management skills; * Experience leading collaborative projects independently; * The ability to work within a team. Other information The successful applicant may be required to travel occasionally to Africa. Please include a covering letter and CV with your application. Closing date for applications: 2nd January 2017; however applications will be considered and reviewed on an on-going basis and therefore the post may be filled before the deadline.