News

PhD position in bioinformatics available as a part of H2020 project “ Innovative training in methods for future data (IMforFUTURE)”

12/7/2017

As part of the IMforFUTURE initiative (IMforFUTURE.eu), 11 scientist positions are being established, which we wish to fill with exceptional researchers (m/f) from the fields of statistics, bioinformatics, genetics and glycoproteomics. The positions are located in different laboratories across Europe and provide a stimulating collaborative approach within a cutting-edge research environment.

IMforFUTURE is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN-ETN). We offer an innovative multidisciplinary and intersectoral research training programme in statistics, integrated data analysis, glycoproteomics and genetics and glycoproteomics analysis.The aim is to integrate genetics, glycomics, and epigenomics datasets into systems biology for ageing by developing innovative methods for high throughput omics and for integrative analysis of omics data. The network brings together renowned experimental and theoretical scientists from six universitiesand two industrial companies across Europe.

Genos Ltd. is a research intensive SME located in Zagreb, Croatia. Genos is currently the global leader in high-throughput glycomics for clinical and epidemiological studies. We have analysed over 20,000 samples in the last two years and have established collaborations with numerous leading research institutions in Europe, USA, China and Australia. As a partner, Genos has participated in 6 FP7 and 4 H2020 projects. Our main competitive edge is the know-how and experience in performing high throughput studies, ranging from analytical chemistry to study design and statistical data analysis. In its 2013 survey, The Scientist magazine ranked Genos as the “Best place to work” for researchers in industry in the world.

We are seeking a highly-motivated PhD student in data analysis who will join Genos Glycoscience Group to work on data mining and omics integration in complex biological problems of genetics of protein glycosylation. A successful candidate will work within vibrant environment of interdisciplinary team of data analysts, molecular biologists and chemists to overcome technical and experimental obstacles in high-throughput glycomics. With increasing evidence of importance of glycosylation in various physiological conditions, integrating glycomics with other omic layers (such as SNP variome, methylome, transcriptome and gut microbiome) represents major focus of our work and provides a step forward in understanding complex mechanisms underlying human diseases.

As an Early Stage Researcher in Genos Ltd., you will undertake research in integrative analysis of glycomics data, with emphasis on the genetics of protein glycosylation encompassing all stages of data analysis, starting from the study design and statistical data cleaning to complex analyses of multiple omics datasets. You will interact and develop research collaborations with our IMforFUTURE academic partners, and in addition you’ll participate in activities of the Innovative Training Network, including attending training courses and visiting other sites.

To meet the requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, you will be an early stage researcher within the first four years of your research career, have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree (PhD), and have not lived or carried out your main activity (work/study) in the Croatia for more than 12 months during the past 3 years. You will also need to have the flexibility to travel throughout the European Union.

As well as previous research experience, you will have a good Masters’ degree in bioinformatics, computational biology or similar, alternatively in computer sciences with experience in molecular biology large-scale data analysis and be eligible to enrol on a PhD degree. You’ll also have excellent communication and organisational skills and a strong commitment to your own professional development.

What does the role entail?

As an Early Stage Researcher your main duties will include:

  • Contributing to the IMforFUTURE Innovative Training Network (ITN) ;
  • Undertaking ongoing research at doctoral degree level into integrative analysis of glycomics data;
  • Participating in IMforFUTUREITN activities to ensure a successful programme of investigation, including attending group meetings and seminars, training courses and site visits; as well as collaborating with academic and industrial partners;
  • Contributing to the dissemination of research results in leading peer-reviewed journals and through presentation at meetings and conferences, with guidance as necessary;
  • Ensuring good progress of your work and keeping up-to-date records;
  • Providing support and advice to other members of the ITN;
  • Working both independently and as part of a larger team of researchers and stakeholders;
  • Continually updating your knowledge, understanding and skills in the research field in which you work.

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

What will you bring to the role?

As an Early Stage Researcher you will have:

  • A good Masters’ degree in bioinformatics, computational biology or similar, alternatively in computer sciences with experience in molecular biology large-scale data analysis;
  • Basic understanding of statistical concepts and machine learning methods
  • Experienced in the use of a programming language R
  • The ability to meet all eligibility requirements for appointment in the Croatia as an Early Stage Researcher funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network:

–                 You must be within the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career, and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree (e.g. PhD), at the time of recruitment to this role;

–                 You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (such as work or study) in the Croatia for more than 12 months during the 3 years prior to your recruitment to this role;

  • Interdisciplinary communication and English language skills
  • The flexibility to travel throughout the European Union;
  • Experience of undertaking academic research;
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders;
  • Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage competing demands effectively;
  • A proven ability to work well both independently and as part of a team;
  • A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development.
  • Knowledge of Biology and Medicine.

How to apply?

Apply by submitting the following:

  • CV (imforfuture_LastName_FirstName_CV),
  • motivational letter (imforfuture_LastName_FirstName_ML), and
  • 2 recommendation letters (imforfuture_LastName_FirstName_RL)

to the email address: imforfuture@genos.hr.