At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop an AI model to predict microproteins and their translation behaviour.
- Company: Join a leading research team at the University of Southampton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full social security coverage, and a structured training programme.
- Other info: Opportunity for a three-month secondment at EMBL-EBI and enrolment in a PhD programme.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking contributions to dark proteome research and collaborate internationally.
- Qualifications: Degree in bioinformatics or related field; strong programming and machine learning skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43994 - 47280 £ per year.
The position involves developing an AI foundation model that predicts which small open reading frames (smORFs) are translated into microproteins, addressing a significant computational problem in dark proteome research. The project will combine state-of-the-art sequence embeddings with cell-type information and ribosome-profiling data, serving as the computational backbone of ORFeus Work Package 1.
Main tasks include:
- Developing a foundation model that captures how mRNA sequence and cellular context determine translation at codon-level resolution.
- Integrating sequence-based predictions with multi-omics evidence from ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry.
- Deploying interactive visualisation tools for cross-species and cell-type-specific translation predictions.
- Collaborating across the ORFeus network and contributing models and tools to the shared ORFeome platform.
Methods and platforms include machine learning and deep learning for genomics, ribosome profiling data analysis, integration of mass-spectrometry proteomics, and interactive data visualisation.
Secondment: You will spend around three months at EMBL-EBI (Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK), integrating large-scale mass-spectrometry datasets for cross-species applications of the model.
Your profile must meet the following MSCA eligibility criteria:
- You do not already hold a doctoral degree.
- You must not have lived or carried out your main activity in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date.
- You hold, or will hold before the start date, a degree that formally entitles you to enrol in a doctorate.
Project-specific profile includes a relevant degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, data science, machine learning, or a related field, with strong computational skills and programming experience (e.g., Python). Desirable experience includes genomics or sequencing data, sequence models and embeddings, mass spectrometry, and an interest in microproteins and the dark proteome.
What we offer:
- A full-time employment contract for 36 months as a salaried researcher.
- Supervision by a world-leading, interdisciplinary supervisory team.
- A structured training program including network-wide schools and workshops.
- Enrolment in a doctoral program leading to a PhD.
The University of Southampton is a research-intensive university in the UK, providing a collaborative research environment supported by advanced computing facilities.
Project 1: AI-driven model for cross-species smORF prediction and classification (Owen Rackham) in Southampton employer: ORFeus doctoral network
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative research environment that fosters interdisciplinary innovation in computational biology and artificial intelligence. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from a structured training programme, mentorship from leading experts, and the opportunity to engage in impactful research while enjoying a beautiful campus with excellent facilities. This role not only provides competitive remuneration but also includes unique opportunities for secondments and networking within a global consortium, making it an ideal place for aspiring researchers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project 1: AI-driven model for cross-species smORF prediction and classification (Owen Rackham) in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like ORFeus doctoral network. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like ORFeus doctoral network!
We think you need these skills to ace Project 1: AI-driven model for cross-species smORF prediction and classification (Owen Rackham) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show ORFeus doctoral network that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at ORFeus doctoral network.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that ORFeus doctoral network does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at ORFeus doctoral network
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at ORFeus doctoral network. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into ORFeus doctoral network's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at ORFeus doctoral network. This shows your passion for the industry!
