No.: SPU/CISST/Advt./2014-15/519

ADVERTISEMENT for Teaching Positions (Contractual)

Applications for the following Contractual Teaching Position are invited for Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Science and Technology (CISST), Sardar Patel University:

2. Assistant Professor (ONE) (Contractual)

For the subject of Bioinformatics

Qualifications:

(I) Good academic record as defined by the concerned university with at least 55 % marks (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) at the Master’s level

(II) Ph.D. degree in the concerned subject or in a relevant interdisciplinary subject
from an Indian University or NET/SLET clearance Contractual appointment carries a total Fixed Emoluments of Rs. 30,000/- p.m without any assurance of permanent Positions and related benefits.

An Application Form in prescribed Performa, available on University Website: www.spuvvn.edu should be filled in completely in Twelve Copies with self attested copies of certificates of qualifications and experience. Only one copy of each mark sheet be attached with the first copy of the application form. All 12 (Twelve) Application forms should be sent to Registrar’s office along with Demand Draft of Application form fee of Rs. 250/- (Non-refundable) in favour of “REGISTRAR, SARDAR PATEL UNIVERSITY, VALLABH VIDYANAGAR”. The S.C. and S.T. category candidates need not to pay Application fee.

Applicants who are in service should apply through their present employers. Candidates called for interview shall be required to attend at their own cost.

In absence of suitable candidate, the University may relax the eligibility criteria, for conditional appointment.

The last date of receipt of application by the University is 30th April, 2014

Advertisement: www.spuvvn.edu/careers/CISST%20Advt.%20April%202014.pdf

https://bioalgorithms.ucsd.edu/research4.html

Basic Galaxy Tutorial

• RNA-Seq tutorial based on Trapnell et al. (2012) Nature Protocols

In this tutorial we cover the concepts of RNA-Seq differential gene expression (DGE) analysis using a very small synthetic dataset from a well studied organism.

Advanced Galaxy Tutorial

• RNA-Seq (Advanced) Tutorial

In this tutorial we compare the performance of three statistically-based differential expression tools:

* CuffDiff

* EdgeR

* DESeq2

Advanced Command Line Tutorial

• Graphical Output with CummeRbund introduces some basic commands using the cummeRbund package of the R programming language

You will need to install R, RStudio and cummeRbund on your PC (explained in the Tutorial). You will learn how to produce graphical output from RNA-Seq analysis previously done using a Cuffdiff analysis.

Variant Detection

Basic Galaxy Tutorial

• Variant Detection tutorial

In this tutorial we cover the concepts of detecting small variants (SNVs and indels) in human genomic DNA using a small set of reads from chromosome 22.

Advanced Galaxy Tutorial

• Variant Detection (Advanced) Tutorial

In this tutorial we compare the performance of three statistically-based variant detection tools:

* SAMtools: Mpileup

* GATK: Unified Genotyper

* FreeBayes

Each of these tools takes as its input a BAM file of aligned reads and generates a list of likely variants in VCF format

Pipelines are for those who are comfortable with using the UNIX command line; and often allow more control over branching and iteration logic.

• WGS/exome GATK-based variant calling pipeline

This is a basic variant-calling and annotation pipeline developed at the Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI), University of Melbourne. It is based around BWA, GATK and ENSEMBL and was originally designed for human (or similar) data. The master branch is configured for WGS data; there is an exome branch configured for variant calling in exome data.

To run the pipeline you will need Rubra: https://github.com/bjpop/rubra. Rubra uses the python Ruffus library: http://www.ruffus.org.uk/.

Protocols

• Familial Variant Calling

In this protocol we discuss and outline the process of calling familial related mutations.

• Somatic Variant Calling

In this protocol we discuss and outline the process of identifying somatic variants or mutations.

Assembly

Basic Galaxy Tutorial

• Genome assembly tutorial

In this tutorial we carry out de novo assembly of a microbial genome. We have also written a De novo Genome Assembly for Illumina Data Protocol for a more generic description of the method.

Protocol

• De novo Genome Assembly for Illumina Data

In this protocol we discuss and outline the process of de novo assembly for small to medium sized genomes. Use our Genome assembly tutorial to learn a specific case of using Galaxy to carry out de novo assembly of a microbial genome.

Small RNAs

Basic Galaxy Tutorial

• Quality control for small RNA

This tutorial covers initial steps of the workflow for analysis of short RNA expression such as a quality control of the raw reads, processing of the raw reads for the subsequent analysis and initial quality assessment of the library.

ChIP Seq

Protocol

• ChIP-Seq

In this protocol we discuss ChIP-Seq: a method to analyze the interaction between proteins and DNA.

Amplicons

Protocol

• Amplicon Alignment

In this protocol we discuss and outline the process of aligning custom amplicons using primers for high precision.

Learn Galaxy

Introduction to Galaxy, for those who are very new to Galaxy.

Using Histories and Workflows, for those with some Galaxy knowledge.

The Galaxy project website has many tutorials and screencasts about using Galaxy and the tools, and developing new tools.

Address of the bookmark: https://genome.edu.au/wiki/Learn

1. Heatmaps: Exploring Patterns in High-Dimensional Data

Heatmaps are a go-to visualization for representing high-dimensional datasets, such as gene expression or metabolomics data. They use color gradients to display data intensity, making patterns and clusters easily detectable.

• Applications: Gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment, methylation studies.

• Tools: Seaborn (Python), ComplexHeatmap (R), Morpheus (web-based).

Tip: Add dendrograms to visualize clustering of rows and columns for hierarchical relationships.

2. Volcano Plots: Highlighting Differential Features

Volcano plots are indispensable for identifying significantly differentially expressed genes or proteins. They plot the log2 fold change against –log10(p-value), making it easy to spot statistically significant changes.

• Applications: RNA-seq, proteomics, and metabolomics.

• Tools: ggplot2 (R), EnhancedVolcano (R), Plotly (Python).

Tip: Use color to highlight significant features and label key genes or proteins.

3. PCA Plots: Reducing Complexity with Principal Component Analysis

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plots are used to reduce dimensionality and uncover trends or clusters in data. They provide insights into sample variability and grouping.

• Applications: Transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiome studies.

• Tools: scikit-learn + Matplotlib (Python), prcomp (R), ClustVis (web-based).

Tip: Annotate clusters with metadata to enhance interpretability.

4. Manhattan Plots: Genome-Wide Association Studies

Manhattan plots visualize p-values across the genome, making it easy to identify significant associations in genome-wide studies. They resemble city skylines, with the highest peaks indicating loci of interest.

• Applications: GWAS, QTL mapping.

• Tools: qqman (R), Matplotlib (Python).

Tip: Use alternating colors for chromosomes and highlight significant SNPs for clarity.

5. Circular Plots (Circos): Visualizing Genomic Relationships

Circular plots are ideal for visualizing relationships across the genome, such as structural variations, gene duplications, or synteny.

• Applications: Comparative genomics, structural variation studies.

• Tools: Circos (standalone), Rcircos (R), pyCircos (Python).

Tip: Keep the plot clean and avoid overcrowding to maintain readability.

6. Sankey Diagrams: Tracking Data Flows

Sankey diagrams visualize flows or relationships between categories, often used to track changes in gene expression or pathway enrichment across conditions.

• Applications: Pathway analysis, gene set enrichment analysis.

• Tools: Plotly (Python), networkD3 (R).

Tip: Use gradients or distinct colors to highlight key transitions.

7. Network Graphs: Mapping Interactions

Network graphs represent relationships between entities, such as protein-protein interactions or gene regulatory networks. Nodes represent entities, and edges represent relationships.

• Applications: Systems biology, interactomics.

• Tools: Cytoscape (standalone), igraph (R), NetworkX (Python).

Tip: Use edge thickness or node size to represent interaction strength or centrality.

8. Violin Plots: Visualizing Data Distribution

Violin plots combine a boxplot with a density plot, showing the distribution and variability of data.

• Applications: Single-cell RNA-seq, quantitative trait analysis.

• Tools: Seaborn (Python), ggplot2 (R).

Tip: Split violins by groups for side-by-side comparisons.

9. Time-Series Plots: Monitoring Changes Over Time

Time-series plots display changes in variables across time points, useful for tracking gene expression dynamics or metabolic fluxes.

• Applications: Time-course experiments, cell cycle studies.

• Tools: Matplotlib (Python), ggplot2 (R).

Tip: Smooth the data to highlight trends while avoiding overfitting.

10. Genome Tracks: Visualizing Genomic Features

Genome tracks display multiple layers of genomic data, such as gene annotations, sequencing coverage, and epigenetic marks.

• Applications: ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, whole-genome sequencing.

• Tools: IGV (standalone), pyGenomeTracks (Python).

Tip: Stack related tracks for direct comparisons.

11. UpSet Plots: Visualizing Set Intersections

UpSet plots are a powerful alternative to Venn diagrams for visualizing intersections between multiple datasets.

• Applications: Overlap analysis for gene sets, pathways, or variants.

• Tools: UpSetR (R), ComplexUpset (Python).

Tip: Use bar plots to represent the size of each intersection for added clarity.

12. Ridge Plots: Comparing Distributions

Ridge plots visualize the distributions of multiple datasets, stacked for easy comparison.

• Applications: Transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq.

• Tools: ggridges (R), Matplotlib (Python).

Tip: Use transparency and consistent scaling for better readability.

13. Chord Diagrams: Visualizing Connections Between Groups

Chord diagrams illustrate relationships between categories, such as shared genes between pathways or overlaps in regulatory elements.

• Applications: Pathway overlap, synteny, co-expression networks.

• Tools: Circlize (R), Holoviews (Python).

Tip: Use distinct colors for each group to emphasize relationships.

14. Treemaps: Hierarchical Data Representation

Treemaps visualize hierarchical data as nested rectangles, with area proportional to data size.

• Applications: Ontology enrichment, pathway analysis.

• Tools: Treemapify (R), Plotly (Python).

Tip: Use colors to represent additional variables, like significance or enrichment scores.

15. T-SNE/UMAP Plots: Dimensionality Reduction for Clustering

T-SNE and UMAP plots are great for visualizing high-dimensional data in two dimensions while preserving local or global structure.

• Applications: Single-cell transcriptomics, clustering analyses.

• Tools: scikit-learn (Python), Seurat (R).

Tip: Combine with metadata annotations for better cluster interpretation.

Bringing It All Together

The choice of visualization can significantly impact the insights gained from bioinformatics data. By selecting plots tailored to your data type and analysis goals, you can effectively communicate your findings and make your research more impactful. Whether you’re a seasoned bioinformatician or a beginner, mastering these visualizations will elevate your analyses and presentations.

No of vacancies: 01

Pay scale:Rs. 15600 – 39100 + 6600/-

Essential Academic Qualifications / Experience : Good academic record as defined by the concerned university with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) at the Master's Degree level in a relevant subject from an Indian University, or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign university.

Besides fulfilling the above qualifications, the candidate must have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC, CSIR or similar test accredited by the UGC like SLET/ SET.

Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-clauses (a) and (b) to this Clause, candidates, who are, or have been awarded a Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2009, shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET/SLET/SET for recruitment and appointment of Assistant Professor or equivalent positions in Universities/Colleges/Institutions.

NET/SLET/SET shall also not be required for such Masters Programmes in disciplines for which NET/SLET/SET is not conducted.

Apply online: http://www.psc.cg.gov.in/htm/OA_ME2014.html

Last Date for Online Registration: 22/05/2014

For more details: http://www.psc.cg.gov.in/pdf/Advertisement/ADV_ME2014.pdf

You can also add your favourite NGS educational material, or workshop tutorial by commenting on this bookmarks for user benefit. 

Understanding the basics of genome sequencing:

Tutorial by Luke Jostins.

http://www.genetic-inference.co.uk/blog/2009/04/basics-sequencing-dna-part-1/

http://www.genetic-inference.co.uk/blog/2009/08/basics-sequencing-dna-part-2/

A window into third-generation sequencing

http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/content/19/R2/R227.full.pdf

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NGS data analysis pipelines

• Detecting and annotating genetic variations using the HugeSeq pipeline  DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2134
• NARWHAL, a primary analysis pipeline for NGS data http://bioinformatics.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/2/284?etoc
• RseqFlow: Workflows for RNA-Seq data analysis  DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btr441
• ngs_backbone: a pipeline for read cleaning, mapping and SNP calling using Next Generation Sequence  10.1186/1471-2164-12-285
• A framework for variation discovery and genotyping using next-generation DNA sequencing data  PubMed: 21478889
• SNiPlay: a web-based tool for detection, management and analysis of SNPs. Application to grapevine diversity projects  DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-12-134 Abstract: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2105/12/134/abstract
• WEP: a high-performance analysis pipeline for whole-exome data http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2105/14/S7/S11
• DDBJ read annotation pipeline: a cloud computing-based pipeline for high-throughput analysis of next-generation sequencing data. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23657089
• GATK: a Toolkit for Genome Analysis http://www.broadinstitute.org/gatk/
• Metagenomics:http://www.nbic.nl/education/nbic-phd-school/course-schedule/ngsmetagenomics/
• RNASeq:http://www.nbic.nl/education/nbic-phd-school/course-schedule/ngsrnaseq/
• Bioinformatics and Seq courses: http://www.isb-sib.ch/training/training-activities-schedule/archive-2013.html
• Variant Detection (Model organism) Advanced tutorial https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1CuKkKylVDb03tnN7RSWl5EUzleetn0ctjmvaidPKLxM
• Variant Detection Introductory tutorial https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1ZRzrjjOCvtAu3m-IKL-rbJ1f4On60dDL_IEwG7oejdI
• Microbial de novo Assembly for Illumina Data Introductory tutorial https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1N3AB9ptISUu4zULqe1kXpVF0BDyGb5f5yzxWSJd_WNM
• RNAseq Differential Gene Expression Introductory tutorial https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1KbTiBHtvHLfPRZ39AY3uriazrINA8TJzgjjwn1zPP7Y

" Please add your favourite NGS link below in comment section for the benefit of bioinformatics community ". 

Address of the bookmark: http://chagall.med.cornell.edu/NGScourse/

Address of the bookmark: http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150707/srep11996/full/srep11996.html

Abstract: Strand NGS supports an extensive workflow for the analysis and visualization of RNA-Seq data. The workflow includes Transcriptome / Genome alignment, Differential expression analysis with Statistical approach and Splicing events detection. Strand NGS also supports novel discovery like identification of novel genes, exons and Novel splice junctions, alongside it can also detect gene fusion events. Further downstream analysis such as GO and pathway analysis can be performed on the set of interesting genes. The product has an option to create pipelines for time consuming jobs which automates analysis and leaves more time for end data interpretation. This webinar will give an overview of the features in the RNA-Seq data analysis workflow in Strand NGS and also highlights on parameters within each feature that can be optimized depending on datasets and analysis needs.

Speaker: Mr. Sugandan Sivamani, Senior Application Scientist, Strand Life Sciences

Date: 9th Nov, Session 1 for SAPK/ APFO: 2:30 PM IST Date: 9th Nov, Session 2 for AFO/ EMEA: 9:00 AM PST

Register here http://www.strand-ngs.com/webinar_registration

ICRISAT seeks applications from Indian nationals Visiting Scientist-Computational Genomics (2 positions), to be part of a team of Centre of Excellence in Genomics (CEG), (www.icrisat.org/ceg) to work on legume genomics projects. The positions will be based at ICRISAT’s Headquarters in Patancheru, Hyderabad, India.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid tropics is home to over 2 billion people, with 650 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture. ICRISAT is headquartered in Greater Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India and belongs to the Consortium of Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

The Job: Responsibilities for these positions include:

Analyzing and handling large-scale next generation sequencing DNA and RNA data
Data mining and development of pipelines and troubleshooting
Genome diversity analysis such as SNPs, Indels, Structural Variations, population structure
Genome wide association study (GWAS) related analysis- LD analysis, hapmap and trait mapping
Expression analysis based on RNA-Seq data, annotation, gene ontology and metabolic pathway analysis
Epigenome analysis, small RNA identification
Gene family analysis, sequence level protein analysis, orthology/paralogy and molecular modelling
Compiling and analysis of results, writing reports and research papers

The Person: Ph.D. or MSc/MTech/PGDCA with two years research experience in Biotechnology, Computational biology, Agricultural/ Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology or related discipline. Good knowledge of programming/scripting in at least two of following languages: Perl, C, C++, R, Shell Scripting and Python is plus.

How to apply: Please apply latest by 20 July 2014. The application should include the name of the position applied for, a letter of motivation, a full Curriculum Vita (CV), and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Technical details and more information about these positions can be obtained from R.K.VARSHNEY@CGIAR.ORG. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Apply here https://recruit.zoho.com/ats/Portal.na?digest=T642sgLYWZOStExJ77cPrcM*sIMGZETWw4yPxngbmHA-