Research Fellow/Research Associate

Grade 6 and Grade 7

In the Zelezniak lab at KCL, we are interested in fundamental understanding of the quantitative information that evolution encoded in biological sequences and learning from it for practical applications. This involves a range of fundamental biological problems and many practical applications: quantitative modelling of gene expression systems towards enabling predictive and controllable phenotypes, designing and improving proteins to control metabolic reactions, predicting of pathogenic mutations towards designing DNA, protein-based drugs and vaccines. We are an interdisciplinary team working collaboratively on computational and experimental problems, we always try to test all our computational models experimentally.

We seek two curious and self-driven postdoctoral bioinformatics researchers, a Research Associate and a Research Fellow (in bioinformatics and machine learning), with a strong background in applied deep learning to join our team. If you are proactive and passionate about AI research, interested in expanding your skills and knowledge to work on world-changing biological problems, believe in ideas that can be realized by doing great science and high-tech startups, join our team, you will meet alike people here. We are highly engaged in collaborative work and believe in 1+1=5. Our team includes postdocs, PhD students and students at all stages of their careers interested in the intersection of data science, AI and biology.

We are located at the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics at King’s College London (

http://zelezniaklab.org/

). The Randall Centre is a vibrant research environment, hosting labs working in burgeoning fields in biomedicine. Our research addresses fundamental biological questions at the interface between the physical and biomedical sciences.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 2 years from the start date.

This is a full-time  post – 100% full time equivalent.

Grade 6

1.      To design and conduct a range of experiments in relation to the project.

2.      To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review purposes.

3.      To undertake the drafting and submitting of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals.

4.      To contribute to the overall activity of the research team and department as required.

5.      To comply at all times with the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations with responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of others in the working environment

Grade 7

1.      To design and conduct a range of experiments in relation to the project.

2.      To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review     purposes.

3.      To undertake the drafting and submitting of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals.

4.      To contribute to the overall activity of the research team and department as required.

5.      To hold responsibility for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in working order and assist with laboratory upkeep

6.      To comply at all times with the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations with responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of others in the working environment

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Grade 6

Essential criteria

1.      Higher degree (PhD or equivalent) in computational biology/biophysics/structural biology/any bioinformatics or applied computing discipline in natural sciences. Must have submitted PhD thesis before taking up the post.

2.      Demonstration of understanding of, and commitment to, an academic career.

3.      Evidence of team working skills.

4.      Publications in peer reviewed journals in bioinformatics/computational biology with strong emphasis on machine learning.

5.      Fundamental understanding of biological processes;

6.      Experience implementing algorithms and data engineering/analysis aspects in Python/R;

7.      Practical understanding of the mathematics behind modern machine learning, linear algebra and statistics;

8.      Proficiency with Linux and scripting languages;

9.      Proven ability to conduct reproducible research.

Desirable criteria

Experience in training and optimizing large deep neural networks

Proven ability to apply and implement novel statistical and machine learning techniques to tackle biological/biophysical problems

Grade 7

Essential criteria

1.      Higher degree (PhD or equivalent) in computational biology/biophysics/structural biology/any bioinformatics or applied computing discipline in natural sciences.

2.      Demonstration of understanding of, and commitment to, an academic career

3.      Evidence of team working skills

4.      Significant publications in peer reviewed journals in bioinformatics/computational biology with strong emphasis on machine learning

5.      Potential to become a leader in chosen field

6.      Fundamental understanding of biological processes;

7.      Proven ability to apply and implement novel statistical and machine learning techniques to tackle biological/biophysical problems;

8.      Experience implementing algorithms and data engineering/analysis aspects in Python/R;

9.      Research experience in at least three of the following research areas: Bioinformatics, Natural Language Processing, Generative modelling, Immunological informatics, Structural biology;

10.    Practical understanding of the mathematics behind modern machine learning, linear algebra and statistics;

11.    Proficiency with Linux and scripting languages;

12.    Proven ability to conduct reproducible research.

Desirable criteria

1.      Postdoctoral research experience in an internationally renowned laboratory (we would normally expect at least 3 years postdoctoral experience).

2.      Prizes or distinctions.

3.      Experience in training and optimizing large deep neural networks

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

The applicant will be expected to present his/her previous research to the interview panel.