Research Fellow in Computational Synthetic Biology

About the role

The main purpose of this position is to lead the computational and mathematical aspects of a BBSRC-funded project focused on engineering robust, modular, synthetic microbial communities. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on foundational research with huge potential to be applied to pressing global challenges in medicine, manufacturing, environmental remediation etc.

You will develop and refine mathematical models of microbial interactions capable of predicting dynamics of engineered communities, and implement computational simulation, design, and inference frameworks to integrate empirical data into predictive models. You will collaborate closely with experimentalists to tightly integrate hypothesis generation and validation.

You will be expected to disseminate our work through high-quality journal articles, presentations at national and international conferences and workshops, and publication of production-quality research software and tools.

This post is initially funded for 2 years with the possibility to extend for a further 1.5 years.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £39,148 - £41,833 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.

About you

A strong candidate will have:

• A numerate background – mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science etc.
• A PhD (or be close to completion) and/or postdoctoral experience applying these skills to a biological (or other complex) system e.g. computational biology, applied mathematics, systems biology, or bioengineering.
• A demonstrable interest in synthetic biology or microbial ecology
• Produced or contributed to high-quality research software in any programming language

• Experience with statistical inference or machine learning methods (e.g. ABC, Bayesian modelling)
• A proven publication record with at least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal/conference
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English
• Excellent team-work skills with an ability to work collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary setting
• Demonstrated supervisory experience of undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate students
• Motivation, organisational skills, independence, and ambition to drive a successful project.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

Customer advert reference: B02-09421

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