about disc4all - upf

Pre-application Call of 9 Version 24.06.2016

About Disc4All Disc4All: Training network to advance integrated computational simulations in translational medicine, applied to intervertebral disc degeneration

Funding: European Commission H2020-MSCA-ITN-ETN-2020 GA: 955735

Contact: [email protected]

Web: https://www.upf.edu/web/disc4all

General Information:

The European community requires early stage researchers (ESRs) who can work across the boundaries of traditional disciplines, integrating experimental and in silico approaches to understand and manage highly prevalent multifactorial disorders, such as musculoskeletal disorders. The Disc4All training network utilises intervertebral disc degeneration (LDD) leading to low back pain (LBP) as a relevant application for the integration of data and computational simulations in translational medicine, to enable rational interpretations of the complexity of the interactions that eventually lead to symptoms.

LBP is the largest cause of morbidity worldwide, yet there remains controversy as to the specific cause leading to poor treatment options and prognosis. LDD is reported to account for 50% of LBP in young adults, but the interplay of factors from genetics, environmental, cellular responses and social and psychological factors is poorly understood. Unfortunately, the integration of such data into a holistic and rational map of degenerative processes and risk factors has not been achieved, requiring creation of professional crosscompetencies, which current training programmes in biomedicine, biomedical engineering and translational medicine fail to address, individually.

Disc4All aims to tackle this issue through collaborative expertise of clinicians; computational physicists and biologists; geneticists; computer scientists; cell and molecular biologists; microbiologists; bioinformaticians; and industrial partners. It provides interdisciplinary training in data curation and integration; experimental and theoretical/computational modelling; computer algorithm development; tool generation; and model and simulation platforms to transparently integrate primary data for enhanced clinical interpretations through models and simulations. Complementary training is offered in dissemination; project management; research integrity; ethics; regulation; policy; business strategy; and public and patient engagement. The Disc4All ESRs will provide a new generation of internationally mobile professionals with unique skill sets for the development of thriving careers in translational research applied to multifactorial disorders.

About King’s (Hiring Disc4All member) Please see the link below for supporting information for prospective applicants. This also includes some background information about the university including rankings, research outputs, King’s Health Partner Trusts and our current fundraising initiative. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/aboutkings/index.aspx

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Job description Post title Early Stage Researcher

Department/Division Department of Twin Research/Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine

Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Grade/salary €4571 + €600 mobility allowance monthly (€250 family allowance if applicable)

Hours of work Full time (35 hours per week)

Period of appointment 3-year Training Fellowship

Responsible to Professor Frances Williams

Responsible for N/A

Campus St Thomas’ Hospital Campus

Role purpose

The Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology (DTR) at King’s College London is recruiting an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) to a Disc4All, EU-funded training project, commencing 1 November, 2020. The Disc4All project is a consortium of academics and industry partners offering 15 ESR positions throughout the EU and UK – with an ambition to establish a novel framework enabling translational medicine to deliver for highly multifactorial disorders. The project is focussed on lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) – a leading cause of disability world-wide; incorporating, analysing and modelling large and far-ranging data sets to deliver clinical solutions. We are looking for an enthusiastic team member to lead the data mining of viable LDD phenotypes from TwinsUK (globally the most extensively phenotyped Twin registry) and other large epidemiological datasets for inclusion in Disc4All analysis. The candidate will work in data curation and experimental computational modelling and the implementation of models and simulations (M&S) of multiscale and multidisciplinary data (e.g. imaging, physics and biology). This ESR position involves PhD registration and lasts for 36 months. The role offers high-level and pioneering training in data integration, M&S technologies and bioinformatics with an aim to create traceable pathways between microbiome influences, disc infection, physical loading, cell metabolism, genetic polymorphisms and LDD clinical outcomes. Training focuses upon the molecular and epidemiological data and biomedical use of innovative statistical techniques. Candidates will gain experience conducting genome wide association (GWA) meta-analysis and Mendelian randomisation (MR). The student will also proactively develop and execute new microbiome and genetic statistical methods. Skills acquired during this degree will be extremely transferable; graduates will have a broad range of opportunities to contribute extensively to multifactorial disorders. A minimum of seven additional training programs are offered over the course of the degree – annual winter and summer schools with one advanced training event where ESRs and other consortium collaborators come together to discuss and constructively challenge the progress of the project. ESRs will benefit from a unique inter-domain collaborative experience, developing expertise in scientific communication and connection to renowned international researchers. This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful collaborative aspiring research team, working on an EU-ITN project investigating the biological basis of LDD. Applicants will at the minimum have an upper-second class (2.1) honours life sciences degree (or overseas equivalent). Only candidates who demonstrate an exceptionally strong academic background in data analytics, computational science or statistics will be considered. A publication record is highly advantageous. Excellent written and oral communication skills are expected.

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Applicants must have received their first degree qualifying them for PhD training within four years of the start date. Candidates must also meet the residency and mobility requirements of the Disc4All programme: At the time of recruitment the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the preceding 3 years immediately prior to recruitment. For a full description of the eligibility conditions see: https://www.upf.edu/web/disc4all/recruitment Upon completion of this PhD the candidate will be ideally and uniquely placed to adopt a leading role in industry, academia or the public sector.

Role profile

Key objectives:

• Undertake TUK data mining and Disc4All LDD phenotype analysis and establish superior phenotype resolution

• Establish gut microbiome and LDD associated markers – using GWAS and MR • Plan and manage own project work • Learn and apply current computational epigenetics technologies • Assist with the design and application of novel computational epigenetics technologies

Communication & networking:

• Present findings and progress at DTR seminars • Liaise with and foster close working relationship with the other 14 Disc4All ESRs • Present to and constructively interact with ESRs at training events • Regularly report on research project progress to PhD supervisor • Liaise with all DTR members including research nurses, other statisticians, administrative and

laboratory staff and as well as external collaborators and their teams. Decision making, planning & problem solving:

• To plan daily workload to complete tasks assigned • To attend multi-disciplinary and Unit meetings and other meetings as required • Write up and disseminate your own research.

Service delivery:

• To conduct computational epigenetics • Write up results in the form of scientific presentations and publications • Any other duties appropriate to the studentship as directed by the Programme Director or Chief

Investigator. Analysis & research:

• To keep abreast of relevant literature in the areas of computational biology, bioinformatics, LDD, epigenetics and genetic epidemiology

• To plan and execute computational epigenetics, GWA, MR etc. • To convert results into scientific presentations and publications.

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Team work, teaching & learning support:

• All ESRs will have the opportunity to take roles of both trainer and trainee at the biannual consortium training events

• The post holder will be part of the DTR epigenetic project team and will be expected to interact with other members of the team and department

• DTR academics take part in regular meetings and present results and reports. Sensory/physical demands & work environment:

• The role is office-based, however opportunities to work from home are made available to KCL staff and students where feasible. This department currently has reduced office contact time and has introduced social distancing measures

• This role involves PC use for a substantial part of the job • The role holder should show good listening and accuracy skills which are important when dealing

with students and members of academic staff. Pastoral care:

• Show consideration to others at all times.

Organisational chart

Head of Department I Frances Williams (Professor) I

Early Stage Researcher

About the Faculty http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/index.aspx

About the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology (DTR) http://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/research/divisions/gmm/Departments/twin/index.aspx www.TwinsUK.ac.uk

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Person specification

Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom Applications are welcomed from international candidates. The recruitment of this post meets Home Office advertising requirements that qualify the role for sponsorship under Tier 2. Consequently, if required, the university could potentially sponsor the successful candidate in applying for a visa under Tier 2 of the points based immigration system, providing all other requirements are met. Information on Tier 2 sponsorship can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website: www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/overview For details of alternative routes to obtaining permission to work in the UK please refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website: www.gov.uk/visas-immigration

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

How identified and assessed*

*For ‘How identified and assessed’ use: AP - application, AS - assessment, I - interview, P - presentation, R - references

Education / qualification and training

Grade 2.1 or above in a biological subject (or equivalent) X AP

Demonstration of strong computational, bioinformatics analytical skills X AP

Knowledge / skills

Ability to communicate effectively at all levels in a complex multi-disciplinary environment with the ability to produce concise verbal and written reports X AP, I, R

Ability to meet competing and demanding deadlines X I, R

Excellent organisational skills X AP,I

Ability to use statistical analysis packages to a high standard, such as PLINK or other UNIX-based systems, for computational genomics within a research environment

X AP, I, R

Experience of working with various word processing computer software or similar (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Access, Latex) X AP

Able to communicate clearly in writing X AP

Programming skills, to include C/C++, R, Fortran, Java, perl, python X AP, I, R

Experience with computationally intensive analyses in large-scale datasets X AP, I, R

Experience with large-scale epigenetic data, to include at least one of the following: Bisulphite sequencing, MeDIP sequencing, MeCAP sequencing, Illumina methylation arrays, ChIP sequencing histone data, Dnase sequencing data

X AP, I, R

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Criteria

Essential

Desirable

How identified and assessed*

*For ‘How identified and assessed’ use: AP - application, AS - assessment, I - interview, P - presentation, R - references

Good working knowledge of gene-regulation processes and gene-expression data X AP, I, R

Experience

Experience in data analysis X AP

Experience in epigenetics research, computational methods and statistical analysis X AP, I, R

Publication record in the field of epigenetics, computational biology, or statistics, or genetic epidemiology X AP, I, R

Experience of writing scientific manuscripts and abstracts X AP

Experience in oral presentation X I

Personal characteristics/other requirements

Ability to work in a team X I

Ability to work independently X I

Ability to plan workload to meet deadlines X I

Ability to liaise effectively with all levels of staff X AP/I/R

Ability to work to tight deadlines in calm manner X AP/I/R

Proactive approach to work X AP/I/R

Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance (DBS formerly CRB) This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). As such, shortlisted candidates will be required to declare full details of any criminal background, regardless of whether the conviction is spent, and the university will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure (a criminal records check) from the Disclosure & Barring Service in relation to the successful candidate.

Level of DBS Clearance required - indicate all applicable aspects:

Carrying out regulated activities1: No No Regulated Activity but contact with vulnerable groups2:

No

No Regulated Activity but deemed a position of trust3:

Yes Situated in a Regulated Environment i.e. NHS premises4:

Yes

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1. The scope of Regulated Activity for work with children and young people is defined under the age of 18 years old. An adult is not considered to be vulnerable due to any personal characteristic: however, an adult may be regarded as vulnerable due to particular circumstances at a particular time, for example when they are receiving treatment in a hospital.

2. Contact with vulnerable groups must meet the frequency threshold of 4 days in a 30 day period. 3. A position of trust is any post that requires authorisation for restricted access to confidential data (not including

anonymised patient data), premises or currency. 4. KCL buildings do not qualify as regulated environments and only our partner NHS Trust sites qualify as regulated

environments.

Further information about the Disclosure scheme can be found at: www.gov.uk/dbs A criminal record will only be taken into account for recruitment purposes, where the conviction is relevant to the position being applied for, and whether this is the case, will not necessarily bar candidates from employment. Any decision will depend on the precise nature of the work, the circumstances and background to the offence(s). The same procedure will be followed for university staff applying internally for a vacancy.

Occupational Health Clearance This appointment is subject to Occupational Health clearance. The successful applicant will be sent an Occupational Health Questionnaire along with their contract of employment. When the Occupational Health Department at King’s College Hospital have evaluated the questionnaire and declared that they are fit for appointment, your appointment start date will be formally confirmed.

Specific aspects - indicate frequency D (daily), W (weekly), M (monthly) where applicable:

Intensive Display Screen Equipment work (e.g. data entry or digital microscopy)1:

D Direct patient contact involving exposure prone procedures (EPP)2:

N/A

Heavy manual handling1: N/A Direct patient contact, no EPP2 N/A

Highly repetitive tasks (e.g. pipetting or re-shelving books)1:

N/A Work with patient specimens (e.g. blood or tissue samples)2:

N/A

Shift work, night work or call-out duties2: N/A Work with GM organisms or biological agents that may pose a hazard to human health2:

N/A

Work involving risk of exposure to environmental or human pathogens (e.g. in waste streams or soils)2

N/A Hazards which require health surveillance e.g. respiratory sensitisers (allergens, substances with risk phrase R42, wood dust etc.) or loud noise2

N/A

Driving vehicles on university business2: N/A Food handling or preparation2: N/A

Work at height (e.g. ladders, scaffolds etc.)1 N/A Work in confined spaces (e.g. sump rooms, etc.)1 N/A

1. These hazards do not require health assessment but may require advice from Occupational Health if a successful candidate declares a disability or health condition in the Health & Capability Declaration.

2. These hazards automatically require the successful candidate to undergo employment health assessment to identify any necessary health surveillance, recommended vaccinations or other risk control measures. The Occupational Health option must be checked on the SRAF or the Employment Checks page in the e-Recruitment system.

Summary of Terms and Conditions of Service This appointment is made under the King’s College London Terms and Conditions of Service for Research staff a copy of which is available from the Recruitment Team upon request.

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Probation 6 months

Annual leave 27 working days per annum pro rata (please note the annual leave year runs from January-December) bank holidays and customary closure days in are in addition to the annual leave entitlement. Staff receive four additional customary closure days in December. Notification as to how these days are taken is circulated at the start of the academic year.

Superannuation This appointment is superannuable the USS www.uss.co.uk pension scheme. In accordance with recent legislation, we automatically enrol our staff in a pension scheme if they meet certain age and earning criteria. This is known as auto-enrolment. The university collects pension contributions via a salary sacrifice method called PensionsPlus. These deductions are made before the calculation of tax and national insurance is calculated; therefore reducing the amount you pay. Staff already superannuated under the NHS Superannuation Scheme may opt to remain in that scheme provided an application to do so is received by the NHS scheme trustees within three months of appointment to King’s College London. Please note that NHS Superannuation Scheme: Medical Schools are classed as “Direction Employers” and some benefits of the NHS Scheme are not available to Direction members. Alternatively, staff may opt to take out a personal pension. Please note that the university does not provide an employer's contribution towards a private pension plan.

Staff benefits King’s College London offers a wide range of staff benefits. For the full comprehensive list of staff benefits please refer to our website: www.kcl.ac.uk/hr/staffbenefits

Applying for the post

Selection criteria The selection committee uses a number of indicators to evaluate the applicant’s preparedness, motivation and potential. 1st phase, remote pre-selection: The Scientific, Technological & Academic excellence will be considered at first, based on:

• Quality of the CV, in general • Any demonstrated research experience, particularly if supported by evidences such as scientific

publications, patents, participation in scientific congresses, … • Undergraduate performance: overall, with a special focus on relevant field-specific courses • Any demonstrated previous recognitions (grants, awards, …) • Reference letters provided by professors and senior scientists: Three refence letters are expected. At

least two letters must be issued by scholars. The third letter can be provided either by a scholar or by a relevant professional of the industrial sector. Referees are asked to address analytical capabilities, technical proficiency, ability to work independently and motivation/commitment.

• Statement of purpose: past research experience, motivation for applying to this particular PhD project, academic fit, contribution of the project to the candidate’s future careers plans, ...

• Additional relevant skills (field-specific): demonstrated, e.g. through previous projects, and or through previous participation in scientific contests, trainings, ...

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2nd phase, interview(s): Should the candidate be preselected at phase 1, a second phase will consist in at least one interview through which the motivation, the proactive behaviour, the capacity to work collaboratively, the organizational skills, the communication skills and the capacity to engage in a scientific discussion and manage problems, will be assessed, among other aspects. The final decision will be the result of a consensus of an evaluation committee that will take into account the results of both recruitment phases 1 and 2. The candidate will be informed of the section results by email.

Application process All the documents that prove the eligibility of the candidate and should be provided. As for the selection process candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents:

• A brief introduction letter (no more than one A4 page) that summarizes the documents and the nature of the information provided for the selection

• A full CV • An application form. • The three requested reference letters • The letter of purpose (no more than two A4 pages)

This vacancy requires a pre-application where all documents must be sent by email to Prof Frances Williams ([email protected]), Principal Investigator of the proposed project, and to the Management of the Disc4All project ([email protected]) before November 1st, 2020. One the pre-application is formalized, the application will have to be completed via an online application form provided by King’s College London and duly communicated to the candidates.

Applicants with disabilities King’s College London is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application the Disc4All project management ([email protected]) will redirect you to the Recruitment Coordinator responsible for the administration of the post at King’s

about disc4all - upf

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