Research Associate at The University of Manchester

The Manchester Cell Matrix Centre (MCMC) brings together diverse research groups and technologists whose collective efforts are focussed on understanding the body’s extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is a complex network that is essential for multicellular life, surrounds and supports cells and accounts for one third of our body mass. We believe that defining the principles that govern the two-way interaction between cells and matrix is fundamental to understanding vertebrate development, healthy ageing, and identifying why tissue failure is a major factor in most chronic diseases.

Located at The University of Manchester, the Centre incorporates one of eight Discovery Research Platforms recently awarded by the Wellcome Trust. The Discovery Research Platform for Cell-Matrix Biology (DRP) will address a range of practical, technological, and methodological barriers to understanding how changes in the extracellular matrix leads to tissue failure. We are seeking driven and ambitious individuals to play a pivotal role in overcoming these barriers. Successful candidates will contribute to our bold vision to reprogramme extracellular matrix, which has the potential to lead to innovative new diagnostic tools and treatments for diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. The platform will embrace a Team Science approach and provide an exciting opportunity to work with groups from diverse research areas and collaborate across disciplines.

The role

The Senior Bioinformatician will contribute to ongoing projects at the Platform, providing support to groups working with large datasets produced from new methodologies such as proteomics, transcriptomics and high-content imaging. The new appointee will bring bioinformatics expertise to experimental design, pathway analysis, interrogation of databases, statistical analysis, data visualization and interpretation. The role will require the development of analysis solutions to complex biological problems, using established data-processing pipelines (e.g., for proteomics or image analysis; accessing online databases and repositories), novel coding and statistical analysis (e.g., using Python or R). The SEO will initially report to Simon Hubbard and will also be expected to integrate with the DRP, its researchers, students and Core Facilities.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.