Fixed-term 2 years.
We are looking for self-motivated and high potential scientist to join our effort to develop new mathematical and computational approaches to the population genetic analysis of demographic history.
The role purpose is to carry out original research within the area of inference of demography from genome sequences and publish methods and results, while receiving training in research skills from a variety of sources. Specifically, the aim is to use coalescent theory to infer the properties of ancestral “ghost” populations that contributed genetic material to modern humans but have no directly corresponding descendants. The successful applicant will do this by developing and applying algorithms that scale to modern data sets of many of thousands of whole genome sequences, combining them with sparser sequence data from ancient samples. The plan is to use the Moran model in place of the standard coalescent, in conjunction with a graphical model framework, to achieve these efficiencies.
Essential Skills
* A PhD in mathematical coalescent theory and its application to demographic inference
* Experience in the application of the Moran model in data analysis
* Experience in the application of Bayesian graphical models to scientific data analysis
* Strong experience in scientific computing software development
Ideal Skills
* Familiarity with high throughput DNA sequencing data
* Proven ability to lead on publishing novel methods
* Ability to communicate with collaborators across a broad range of fields
* Ability to work under time pressure and to tight deadlines
Other information
Postdoctoral Fellows are typically in their first or second postdoctoral position as part of a period of early career research training.
Life at the Sanger
The Sanger Institute is a charitably funded research centre focused on understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. We use state of the art large-scale genomic approaches to drive world-leading projects to uncover the basis of genetic and infectious disease. Our goal is to provide results that can be translated into diagnostics, treatments or therapies that reduce global health burdens.
The Institute is located near Cambridge, UK on the stunning Wellcome Genome Campus.
To help researchers to develop their skills and networks, the Institute hosts a range of scientific seminars with internal and invited speakers, scientific group meetings and skills development workshops. In addition the Campus is home to the Wellcome Trust Advanced Course and Scientific Conferences programme and the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre.
Our Benefits include: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, Group Income Protection, Healthcare scheme, Childcare Vouchers, Workplace Nursery and 25 days Annual Leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30, plus Bank Holidays. We also have a gym, two cafes, dining facilities, and a free campus bus service. Our thriving Sports and Social Club provides many opportunities to meet with people working across the campus.
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.
Please include a covering letter and CV with your application.
Source: Jobs.ac.uk