Fixed term until 31 December 2018 in the first instance

Salary up to £34,500 for exceptional candidates

The Animal Health Trust is seeking to recruit an experienced post-doctoral scientist to join their productive canine genetics research group.  The team has a highly successful track record of investigating the genetics of a wide range of inherited canine disorders and developing DNA tests, based on their findings that are offered to dog owners and breeders to facilitate the diagnosis and elimination of inherited diseases from purebred dog populations.

The successful applicant will need to have worked as a postdoctoral scientist for a number of years (at least 2 to 3) and have considerable experience of all standard molecular genetics and genomics techniques, and in particular the generation and analysis of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing data.  We are looking for someone who can mine next-generation sequencing data creatively, to identify mutations associated with a variety of inherited diseases and who understands the challenges of investigating small, inbred and isolated populations.  They will also be expected to contribute to the group in the following ways:

• Maintain current pace with technology in the field.

• Lead on the preparation of manuscripts for peer-review.

• Writing grant applications with minimal support and effectively managing all related communications including some negotiation where necessary.

• Initiate and maintain internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.

• Influence decisions affecting the work of the team

• Provide one-off lectures/training speeches for an audience from outside their own team

• Deliver oral presentations at external conferences

• Demonstrate a high level of initiative to identify new research opportunities and potential collaborators.

The successful candidate will be able to interact with all members of the team, enjoy contributing to group discussions and be able to multitask effectively.  They will have excellent communication skills, a record of peer review publication with some resource management experience, ideally both financial and people.  The ability to teach both practical skills and theory to help develop research assistants and PhD students is an essential part of the role.  

For further information about this position please contact Dr. Cathryn Mellersh at cathryn.mellersh@aht.org.uk

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your CV and covering letter, stating why you are interested in this role and your current salary, to recruitment@aht.org.uk.

Closing date: 01.04.16

Interviews week commencing: 18.04.16