Research Fellow in Genetics, Evolution and Environment

Biosciences and Life Sciences

Job Description

Research Fellow

Department: Genetics, Evolution and Environment

Grade: 7

Location: London, The Francis Crick Institute

Reports to

Professor Jürg Bähler

Context

The Faculty of Life Sciences is an exciting and dynamic environment driving forward ambitious and challenging plans for future development. We are committed to enhancing research and teaching in relation to major global challenges, including disease, climate change, sustainability, technological change and the data revolution, and inequality. Ranked No. 1 in London and No. 10 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021) the Faculty offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences.

The Faculty is made up of five academic Divisions; the School of Pharmacy, Biosciences, the Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neurocircuits and Behaviour and the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit. In addition it is home to a specialist teaching facility; the Cruciform Teaching Facilities Unit. Some of the constituent parts of the Faculty have long and distinguished histories that can be traced back to the early 19th century when UCL was founded and we are proud to have nine Nobel Laureates associated with Life Sciences Research is integrated into many of our degrees giving students the opportunity to make an original contribution to their field of study. The Faculty builds on research strengths in cell and developmental biology, computational biology, evolutionary and population genetics, cellular and circuits neuroscience, and structural and molecular biology to improve lives and communities and create real world impact. The School of Pharmacy provides opportunities in drug discovery and the Faculty also hosts joint appointments with the Francis Crick Institute.

Biosciences is one one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the

relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

Main purpose of the job

To be an active member of the Bähler laboratory and PomBase team, assisting in the study, analysis, and curation of research data, particularly with respect to unknown genes, so that the overall objectives of the project are met.

Duties and responsibilities

• Read, interpret and curate scientific papers in alignment with the team priorities.
• Review community curation submissions and communicate revisions to authors to provide comprehensive standardized annotations for heterogeneous data types.
• Develop video training materials to promote, support and extend the successful community curation programme.
• Collaborate with team members to support the study and annotation of unknown protein.
• Test and provide feedback on software updates.
• Maintain documentation, configuration files and FAQs throughout the PomBase environment.
• Manage the community helpdesk.
• Contribute to curation Quality Control across the PomBase repository.
• Identify and fast-track the curation of newly published papers that shed light on the function of uncharacterised (unknown) proteins.
• Curate and host high-throughput (HTP) datasets that provide functional clues, ensuring they are integrated and accessible.
• Identify the specific gaps in current knowledge by building GO CAM models
• Present regular progress reports to members of the group and to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Prepare material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Carry out occasional undergraduate and postgraduate supervision, demonstrating or teaching duties within the post holder’s area of expertise.
• Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed work programme to allow for deadlines to be met. To plan and prepare presentations and papers for conferences in consultation with PI and other colleagues as appropriate
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the group over work progress and ensure resources are used in the most effective manner, ▪ Liaise on a regular basis with colleagues and students and build contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Join external networks to share information and ideas.

• Advise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers on Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and functional prediction guidelines, and review new function predictions.
• Read academic papers, journals and books to keep abreast of developments in our own area and related disciplines.
• Present regular progress reports on the research to members of the research group and to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may need assistance with their research
• Join external networks to share information and ideas.

General

• The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager, Divisional Director Head of Research Dept, Faculty Dean or other appropriate colleagues
• Maintain a good working knowledge of UCL, Faculty and Divisional policy and procedures, referring to appropriate colleagues for advice where necessary
• In addition to these duties the post holder will be expected to be flexible in approach as well as support and work collaboratively with academic and Professional Services colleagues within the Division and Faculty as well as beyond
• Actively participate in UCL networks, meetings and committees relevant to the role, as required
• Attend staff meetings and training as required
• Demonstrate zero tolerance towards bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviour
• The post holder will actively follow and promote all UCL policies including those on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• To act as a Fire Evacuation Marshall as required.
• The post holder will maintain an awareness and observation of current UCL Fire and Health & Safety Regulations and procedures
• The post holder, like all academic, research and teaching staff, is expected to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to excellence in line with the academic careers framework https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/feb/academic-career-framework
• Meet UCL’s expectations set out in the UCL Core Behaviours Framework https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/core-behaviours-framework

Person Specification

Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples. You will be scored on how you meet each criteria.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A PhD in a relevant subject area is an essential criterion for this role; Where the successful candidate is close to completion and awaiting their formal PhD award, the initial appointment will be made at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £39,107–£42,891 per annum). The appointment will transfer to Grade 7 following confirmation of the PhD award, with the Grade 7 salary backdated to the date of final thesis submission.

Proven knowledge of research techniques and methodologies Evidence of a publication record in good quality publications Broad and deep knowledge of research with fission yeast as a model organism

Skills and abilities

Demonstrable experience with agentic AI, e.g. to summarise and curate scientific papers.

Demonstrable ability to evaluate Gene Ontology functional predictions and cellular processes/pathways.

Ability to understand scientific papers and extract key information from complex research projects..

Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences

UCL Ways of Working

Commitment to continuing personal & team professional development Adaptable and flexible with a constructive and collegiate approach Commitment to UCL’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds

Desirable Criteria

Commitment to and knowledge of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion

HERA reference NJ14-283v2