1.Permanent or 2.Contract/ Fixed TermFIXED TERM
Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in Genetic Privacy and Genetic Cryptography to join Professor Richard Mott’s research group in the UCL Genetics Institute within the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment.
Background: Genetic Privacy deals with the issues of ensuring that a person’s genetic information is not disclosed or utilised without their informed consent, and the limits that should be placed on the use of genetic data. Related to this, Genetic Cryptography refers to computational methods for obscuring individual genetic and phenotypic data that preserves individual privacy, whilst permitting data analyses aimed at discovering loci associated with a phenotype or disease. These techniques are sometimes called homomorphic encryption. We have developed such a method, based on random high-dimensional rotations of data, see https://doi.org/10.1534/genetics.120.303153 and https://github.com/encryption4genetics.
The Post: The Research Fellow will develop this and potentially other encryption methodologies into a practical tool. This will involve improving the methodology, writing software that can operate on very large datasets, and working closely with stakeholders to ensure the code is as useful as possible. There is also the opportunity to carry out research more broadly into the sociological and ethical issues surrounding genetic privacy.
The post is funded for two years in the first instance.
- PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in bioinformatics, statistical genetics, statistics, mathematics, computer science or cryptography.
- Proven knowledge of relevant research techniques and methodologies including software programming
- Evidence of a relevant publication record in good quality peer-reviewed journal
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (Salary £32,217 – £33,958 per annum, including London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections).
Applicants should apply online. To access further details about the position and how to apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Richard Mott at [email protected].
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Biosciences staffing on [email protected] quoting the vacancy reference number: 1882756.
Latest time for the submission of applications: 23:59.
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