Last updated: / April 2016

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post title: / Research Fellow in Epigenetics
Academic Unit/Service: / Human Development and Health Academic Unit
Faculty: / Medicine
Career Pathway: / Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE) / Level: / 4
*ERE category: / Research pathway
Posts responsible to: / Professor in Allergy and Respiratory Genetics
Posts responsible for: / N/A
Post base: / Office-based/Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Job purpose
To investigate the role of DNA methylation in gender associated changes in asthma incidence across puberty. The appointed individual will be in the Respiratory Genetics Group and will be responsible for the analysis of methylome datasets in order to identify DNA methylation markers associated with asthma in the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort and ALSPAC cohort. The researcher will be expected to have significant input into the design and direction of the analysis, developing new tools and integrate data from various sources including GWAS and RNA-Seq as appropriate. They will also be expected to interact actively with laboratory colleagues and support related projects within the laboratory, to identify and pursue novel findings, and to present findings in appropriate forums.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities / % Time /
1.  / Investigate association of genome-wide methylation data with phenotypes of interest / 20%
2.  / Manage large-scale whole-genome methylation, GWAS and RNA-seq datasets / 10%
3.  / Develop and validate analysis methods where required / 15%
4.  / Design and undertake follow-up DNA methylation studies / 35%
5.  / Regularly disseminate findings by taking the lead in preparing publication materials for referred journals, presenting results at conferences, or exhibiting work at other appropriate events. / 10%
6.  / Communicate with collaborators effectively / 5%
7.  / Other administrative duties including supervision of junior staff / 5%
Internal and external relationships /
Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine Group
Genomic Informatics Group
Collaborators at University of Memphis, United States of America and University of Bristol
David Hyde Allergy Centre, Isle of Wight
Special Requirements /
Candidates must demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement including a relevant PhD
Programming and statistical skills are desirable, as are familiarity with the Linux environment and experience of working with large-scale genetic data
Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How to be assessed
Qualifications, knowledge and experience / PhD in a relevant subject (eg. genetic epidemiology, statistics, bioinformatics) or equivalent
Familiarity with online human gene resources and databases
Able to organise own research activities to deadline and quality standards / BSc or equivalent in a relevant subject (eg biology, genetics)
Strong track record in preparing publications and other written materials
Previous experience in working with large-scale (empirical and/or simulated) datasets
Substantial experience with at least one of the following programming languages/packages: R, Perl, Java, C or equivalent
Substantial experience with at least one of the following statistical packages: STATA, SPSS, SAS or equivalent
Experience with genome, methylome or ChIP datasets
Excellent mathematical and computational skills with an intimate understanding of how to solve biological problems
Experience in laboratory based methods for DNA methylation analysis
Success in attracting external research funding / Application/CV
Planning and organising / Effective time management and project planning/scheduling skills
Attention to detail and ability to work to tight timelines
Demonstrable good project management and organisational skills
Excellent report writing skills
Scrupulous attention to detail and data quality issues / Interview
Problem solving and initiative / Ability to use own initiative and solve analytical problems
Ability to interpret results given biological hypotheses
Ability to generate independent ideas and directions of new research / Interview
Management and teamwork / Ability to work as an efficient and communicative member of the team and to share expertise with other group members / Experience in supervising and guiding junior research staff
Capacity to contribute to internal training and teaching as required / Interview
Communicating and influencing / Ability to communicate effectively with collaborators both internally and externally
Fluency in written and spoken English / Interview
Other skills and behaviours / A desire to achieve excellence in research / Interview
Special requirements / Willingness to travel to meet collaborators (USA)

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

Is this an office-based post?

☐ Yes / If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☒ No / If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety of the post-holder.

## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES / Occasionally
(<30% of time) / Frequently
(30-60% of time) / Constantly
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids / √
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes, biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties

Job Description - ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow4