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Current Vacancies

Biomarkers, Algorithms and Probe Design Research Position
A Marie Curie Experienced Researcher is required in the Division of Pathway Medicine to work within the ClouDx-I EU IAPP project. The role will involve research and development of host-directed pathways in immunity and metabolism in neonatal sepsis, and to develop assays for enhanced speed and ease of use. The post will require contribution to the algorithm design specification for host response classification. 
You will be part of a dynamic collaborative team and will also contribute to publications, and dissemination of information about the project.
Vacancy Ref: 031643  Closing Date :07-Nov-2014
Contact Person: Prof P Ghazal  Contact Number: (UK) 0131 242 6284
Contact Email:: p.ghazal@ed.ac.uk

Job Purpose 
To contribute to the development of a programme of research, including lab based investigations and determination of specific research proposals and objectives of the ClouDx-i project, which bring together researchers from DPM, Cork Institute of Technology and NSilico Ltd. This project aims to develop in silico molecular detection methods to flag biomarkers that can facilitate rapid, efficient and accurate diagnosis of infection. Major challenges in the widespread adoption of such techniques exist due to inter alia their complex computational characteristics, the need for software tools that are usable for both researchers and clinicians and the need for easy sample processing and software solutions that are secure and auditable, providing full traceability and provenance of data. Therefore, the principal Scientific & Technological objective is to develop experimental and computational techniques that can support rapid molecular diagnosis of infection and to embed these techniques in an efficient, usable, auditable and secure end to end diagnostic process. In particular the objectives of the research relevant to this role are to develop a rapid microscale assay based on the already proven and validated use of gene probes and associated technology but would also require development for enhancing speed and ease of use. 


Main Responsibilities 
1. Deliver research associated with ClouDx-i project. This will involve: 
a. Sample acquisition and processing. 
b. Probe design, hybridisation, microarray and detection procedures to allow rapid and sensitive detection 
c. Assist in the creation of a Genomic Database of Integrated Pathogen Host Sequences 
d. Contribute to the Algorithm Design Specification for Host Response Classification 
e. Contribute to the dissemination of information and publications arising from the project. (Approx. 70% of time )

2. Collaborate with colleagues in other institutions and undertake liaison with external organisations (Approx. 15% of time )

3. Input into scientific publication of ClouDx-i outputs. (Approx. 15% of time) 


Planning and Organising 
The post-holder will liaise with manager of programme of research activity on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the research is conducted in accordance with the research timetable. 


Problem Solving 
The post holder is expected to resolve most problems using accumulated experience, with only the most serious non-standard issues reported to the line manager for assistance. Use initiative to analyse and interpret research data, and draw conclusions from it. Use initiative to help other researchers in the team to resolve project problems and develop new techniques and methods, as appropriate. 


Decision Making 
Taken independently: Organise own workload according to priority and adapt as necessary, setting of short-term time-lines, design experimental set-up to address specific research aims 
In collaboration with others: Problem solving and data interpretation, experimental design and discussion of short-term research aims and potential new research strategies 
Referred to manager: Overall timelines, changes of direction, response to serious and unexpected events, identification of the best way forward and interpretation of complex data (although input to these areas is expected). 
Level of Direction Given: Line manager will offer general orientation and advice, in addition to support in developing and implementation of research strategy, there will be an appropriate degree of independence 


Key Contacts/Relationships 
Internal: PI and members of the immediate research team (other researchers, technical support), build internal contacts and links to share information, students 
External: Collaborating researchers worldwide, external networks to share information and develop links as appropriate 


Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
• Appropriate degree, with relevant post-graduate research experience , normally a PhD or equivalent professional qualification and/or experience 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing 
• Expertise in relevant approaches and models, analytical techniques and methods.


Marie Curie Requirements
Owing to EU “mobility” regulations, applications cannot be considered either from UK nationals or from candidates who have spent more than 12 of the 36 months preceding the start of their employment contract in the UK. UK fellows based in the UK will be considered provided that they were based in another country for at least 24 of the 36 months preceding their recruitment for this position.


For further particulars relating to this job, please click here: Guide for Marie Curie Fellows


Salary
The role is grade ARC and attracts an annual salary of £48,692 (in USS pension) or £54,086 (not in USS pension) for 35 hours each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.

This post is available on a fixed term basis, with a working pattern of 35 hours per week until 30th October 2015.


Pension Scheme
This role is grade ARC and therefore the post holder is automatically included in membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subject to the USS membership criteria, unless they indicate that they choose not to join the Scheme. 

For further information please visit our pensions website http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/finance/pensions/scheme-details/uss


Eligibility to Work
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK). 

To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview. 

For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website

If you are not currently eligible to work in the UK, it may be possible for the University of Edinburgh to sponsor you to obtain a Tier 2 (General) visa to enable you to take up the appointment should you be successful at interview.

For applicants interested in sponsorship information is available on our Working in the UK website

However, if you have previously been sponsored by an employer within the UK but your leave has expired or lapsed and you are no longer in the UK, according to Home Office Visa Immigration rules you cannot apply for sponsorship under any category of Tier 2 for a period of 12 months after the date your visa expired and/or you left the UK.

If you are an academic in the field of sciences; humanities; engineering; medicine; digital technology; or the arts and come from outside the EEA, it may be possible for you to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. 
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route offers a greater flexibility in your employment compared to other UK immigration routes, meaning you can, for example, move organisation, location and/or job role. By contrast with, a Tier 2 visa where you are ‘tied to a UK sponsor’. Tier 1 provides greater flexibility in undertaking additional engagements, such as collaborations and is intended as a route to settlement. Allowed absences from the UK are up to 180 days per year without losing the eligibility to qualify for settlement, with no restriction on the reason for absence (unlike Tier 2, where any absences from the UK must be for a purpose consistent with the person’s employment or economic activity, including paid annual leave, or for serious or compelling personal reasons).
You would initially need to apply to be endorsed as an internationally recognised leader or emerging leader in your particular field by a designated competent body (Arts Council England, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, Tech City UK). 
Tier1 (Exceptional and Exceptional Promise) Endorsement Criteria
Once successfully endorsed, you are able to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. More information on this entry route is available at UKVI Website.


Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online by clicking the “apply” button at the foot of this page. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments. 


Closing date: Friday 7th November 2014 at 5pm.


The University reserves the right to vary the candidate information or make no appointment at all. Neither in part, nor in whole does this information form part of any contract between the University and any individual. 



Division of Pathway MedicineThe Division of Pathway Medicine (DPM) is a research centre in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. The Division was officially formed on 1st February 2007 following the success and growth of the Scottish Centre for Genomic Technology and Informatics (GTI). The new division builds on the work of GTI and incorporates the activities of new investigators who joined the centre in 2006. The Division has already proved itself successful in obtaining funding for projects in new areas of research. We are conducting pioneering research programmes in: 

• Pathway Biology of Infection and Immunity - the study of host-pathogen interaction in immune cells and the modeling of molecular 
pathways that control immune cell function in health and disease. 
• Biochip Medicine in Systemic response to disease - the development of advanced biochip techniques and platforms for translating
genomic and pathway research into clinical healthcare. 

The central goal of the Division of Pathway Medicine is to integrate post-genomic science with medicine in order to provide a better understanding of disease processes. This will provide the basis for the development of new medical innovations for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. 

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/pathway-medicine


 The School of Biomedical SciencesThe School of Biomedical Sciences (SBMS), which is headed by Professor Gareth Leng, employs around 220 staff mostly located in the central George Square area. The School hosts the Centre for Integrative Physiology (CIP, Head: Professor Mike Shipston), the Centre for Neuroregeneration (CNR, Head: Professor Peter Brophy), the Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems (CCNS, Director: Professor Richard Morris FRS) and the Division of Pathway Medicine (DPM, Head: Professor Peter Ghazal) and also has strong links with Edinburgh Infectious Diseases (EID, Head: Professor Rick Maizels). Research themes within the School include: Genes and Development; Membrane Biology; Neural Control Systems; Cognition, Learning and Synaptic Plasticity; Neuropharmacology; Basic and Clinical Virology; and Bacterial Pathogenesis and Chemotherapy. 

Also within the School is the Biomedical Teaching Organisation (BMTO) which plays a vital role in the administration, coordination and implementation of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. The BMTO is responsible for the BSc Medical Sciences programme, twelve BSc Biological Sciences Honours Programmes, eight Bachelor of Medical Sciences Honours programmes, four BSc Veterinary Sciences Honours Programmes and fourteen Biomedical Sciences courses delivered to first to third year undergraduates. In addition the BMTO has responsibility for the taught postgraduate programmes run by the School.
The School is located across a number of sites: the Chancellor’s Building and Queen’s Medical Research Institute at Little France; the Medical School extension in Teviot Place; the Hugh Robson Building, George Square; No 1 George Square and the Ashworth Building at Kings Buildings.

In RAE 2008, our staff were entered in 2 main categories of assessment. In Neuroscience & Psychiatry 65% of our staff were rated at 3*/4* (internationally excellent/world-leading), which is 6th in the UK. In Hospital-based Clinical Subjects 80% of our staff were rated at 3*/4*, which is 1st overall. We currently attract 76 research grants, worth a combined £37m.
The School holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, in recognition of excellence in science, engineering and technology employment in higher education relating to supporting women in science.

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-department/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/biomedical
 The College of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineThe College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine traces its origins back nearly 500 years (Darwin, Simpson and Conan-Doyle were students here) and is internationally renowned for its research and teaching. Headed by Professor Sir John Savill, the only conjoint Medical and Veterinary Medical School in the UK employs over 2300 academic and support staff within the College and the four Schools; Biomedical Sciences ; Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences; Clinical Sciences and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. 


http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/biomedical


http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/molecular-clinical-med


http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/clinical-sciences


http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/vet-school


The undergraduate medicine teaching programme in the College enjoys a high reputation nationally and internationally, with over 1,300 students enrolled on the MBChB and Intercalated courses and nearly 1000 on the Veterinary Sciences BVS and related programmes. In addition, approximately 2000 students are currently enrolled in the College’s taught and research post-graduate courses, including an extensive range of online distance learning diplomas and degrees. They are trained by over 1000 outstanding academic staff. Details of PhDs, research programmes and studentships are available through our interdisciplinary research institutes and centres (http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/research/institutes/centres). 

The academic disciplines within Medicine are largely concentrated in the two teaching hospital campuses, the Royal Infirmary at Little France and the Western General Hospital. Both have extensive new infrastructure with major research institutes and state of the art research facilities on clinical sites. Edinburgh hosts a number of prestigious MRC and BHF Research Centres. The approach is interdisciplinary, with basic and clinical researchers working together at the laboratory bench and in our clinical research facilities to address major themes in basic, clinical and translational medicine.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science on the new Easter Bush campus houses outstanding teaching and clinical facilities as well as the splendid Roslin Institute, one of the world’s leading veterinary research centres. The College is the UK’s only conjoint medical and veterinary school offering outstanding opportunities to address ‘One Health’ and Global Health problems of the highest international priority.

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 

In RAE 2008, the College was placed first of 28 submissions in the UK, in Hospital-Based Clinical Subjects. Of those submitted at the international level 80% of the submission were judged world-leading (4-star, 40%) or internationally excellent (3-star, 40%). 
The College was placed fourth in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science, but was the first-placed veterinary school (by 4*) and delivered the largest volume of 4* research in the whole UK. The College was also sixth in the UK in Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology, an area further reinforced by the advent of Edinburgh Neuroscience to coalesce the University’s neuroscience activities. The University of EdinburghFor more than four centuries, our people and their achievements have rewritten history time and again. They’ve explored space, revolutionised surgery, published era-defining books, paved the way for life-saving medical breakthroughs and introduced to the world many inventions, discoveries and ideas from penicillin to Dolly the sheep. We have believed that anything is possible.

We still do. The latest Research Assessment Exercise highlighted our place at the forefront of international research. This adds to our international reputation for the quality of our teaching and our student experience excellence. 

As a member of staff you will be part of one of the world's leading universities, with 22 Schools spread over 3 Colleges that offer more than 500 undergraduate and 160 postgraduate courses to over 30,000 students each year. Professional services are critical to this success as well as our world-class teaching, research and student facilities. In fact, we are one of the top employers in Edinburgh, with over 11,700 people spread across a wide range of academic and supporting roles. 

The University is proud of its success with online teaching initiatives, with 1905 students currently studying its online distance learning postgraduate programmes, and a total to date of over 940,000 enrolments for Edinburgh MOOCs. 

As a world-changing, world-leading university we are an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent, develop and reward success and integrate academic, professional and personal career goals, as well as give your career the benefit of a great and distinguished reputation. 

The University of Edinburgh holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. We are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions actively promoting LGBT equality.

The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our

University Initiatives website


The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.


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This project is partly funded by the European Commission
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