Yau Group develops statistical and computational methods for the analysis of genomic datasets with a particular interest in cancer sequencing applications and the use of Bayesian Statistics.

Yau Group are currently have projects in somatic mutation analysis of heterogeneous cancers, data fusion or integration techniques and single cell genomics.

More @ http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/~cyau/index.html

What is RNA-Seq?

RNA-Seq is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology used to study the transcriptome—the complete set of RNA molecules in a cell. It quantifies gene expression, detects novel transcripts, and captures alternative splicing events with high sensitivity and resolution.

Workflow for RNA-Seq Analysis

RNA-Seq analysis involves several stages, each requiring computational tools and expertise.

1. Experimental Design and Data Acquisition

Before diving into analysis, bioinformaticians should consider:

• Biological Replicates: Ensure statistical power to detect meaningful differences.
• Sequencing Depth: Align sequencing depth to study objectives (e.g., higher depth for low-abundance transcripts).
• Paired-End vs. Single-End: Paired-end sequencing provides more detailed information on transcript structure.

Once sequencing is complete, raw data is provided in FASTQ format, containing sequence reads and quality scores.

2. Quality Control and Preprocessing

Quality control (QC) ensures data integrity. Tools such as FastQC evaluate metrics like base quality, GC content, and adapter contamination.

Preprocessing Steps:

• Trimming: Tools like Trimmomatic or Cutadapt remove low-quality bases and adapter sequences.
• Filtering: Discard reads below a certain quality threshold or length.

3. Read Alignment

Reads are mapped to a reference genome or transcriptome to determine their origin. Alignment tools include:

• HISAT2: Handles large genomes efficiently and supports spliced alignments.
• STAR: High-speed aligner optimized for RNA-Seq.
• Bowtie2: Suitable for short-read alignment.

Output: A SAM/BAM file containing aligned reads.

4. Transcript Assembly and Quantification

This step involves identifying transcripts and quantifying their expression levels. Tools used include:

• StringTie: Assembles and quantifies transcripts from aligned reads.
• Salmon/Kallisto: Perform pseudo-alignment for rapid and accurate quantification.

Expression levels are typically measured as TPM (transcripts per million) or FPKM (fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads).

5. Differential Expression Analysis

To identify genes with altered expression between conditions, bioinformaticians use tools such as:

• DESeq2: Accounts for data normalization and variability.
• edgeR: Handles overdispersed count data efficiently.
• Limma-voom: Combines linear modeling with RNA-Seq count data.

The output includes a list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with statistical significance and fold-change values.

6. Functional Annotation and Pathway Analysis

Understanding the biological significance of DEGs involves:

• Gene Ontology (GO) Analysis: Tools like DAVID or clusterProfiler categorize genes based on their biological functions.
• Pathway Enrichment Analysis: Identifies pathways enriched in DEGs using tools like KEGG, Reactome, or GSEA.

7. Visualization

Visualizing results enhances interpretability. Common visualizations include:

• Heatmaps: Show expression patterns across samples (e.g., pheatmap).
• Volcano Plots: Highlight significant DEGs (e.g., ggplot2).
• PCA/UMAP: Assess sample clustering and variability (e.g., Seurat).

Challenges in RNA-Seq Analysis

1. Batch Effects: Technical variability can confound biological signals. Combat this with normalization techniques or batch-correction tools like ComBat.
2. Low-Quality Samples: Poor-quality RNA impacts downstream analyses.
3. Computational Complexity: RNA-Seq generates massive datasets, requiring robust computing resources and optimized pipelines.

Key Tools and Resources

• Bioconductor: A treasure trove of R packages for RNA-Seq analysis.
• Galaxy: A web-based platform for running RNA-Seq workflows.
• Nextflow/Snakemake: Workflow management tools to streamline analyses.

Applications of RNA-Seq

RNA-Seq is used in diverse research areas, including:

• Cancer Transcriptomics: Identifying tumor-specific expression profiles.
• Developmental Biology: Studying dynamic transcriptome changes.
• Drug Discovery: Screening genes modulated by therapeutic compounds.

Conclusion

RNA-Seq analysis is a cornerstone of modern transcriptomics, offering bioinformaticians a versatile toolkit for unraveling gene expression and regulation. Mastering RNA-Seq workflows and tools empowers researchers to transform raw sequencing data into biological discoveries.

Whether you’re investigating disease mechanisms, exploring cellular pathways, or developing new therapeutics, RNA-Seq is a powerful ally in your bioinformatics arsenal.

No. of Posts and Specialization: 1(UR)

Educational Qualification:

(i) Good academic record with a Ph.D. Degree in the concerned /allied /relevant disciplines.

(ii) The Ph.D. Degree shall be a mandatory qualification for all candidates to be appointed as Associate Professor through direct recruitment.

(iii) A Master‟s Degree with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed).

(iv) A minimum of eight years of experience of teaching and /or research in an academic /research position equivalent to that of Assistant Professor in a University, College or Accredited Research Institution/Industry excluding the period of Ph.D research with evidence of published work and a minimum of 5 publications as books and /or research papers in refereed journals only/policy papers.

(v) Contribution to educations innovation, design of new curricula and courses and technology-mediated teaching learning process with evidence of having guided doctoral candidates and research students.

(vi) A minimum score as stipulated in the Academic Performance Indicator (API) based performance Based Appraisal System (PBAS), set out in this notification in as mentioned in the advertisement.

Send your application to the A.R (Estt.Teaching), M.D.University, Rohtak on or before December 23, 2013.

For more details: http://www.mdurohtak.ac.in/pdf/Notices_Pdf/new_notice/Teaching%20Vacancy%20%28ADVT.%20No.%20PR-54%20of%202013%29.pdf

Last Apply Date: 23 Dec 2013

National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS) (nbis.se) plays an important role in advancing life science research in Sweden by providing expert support and developing cutting-edge bioinformatics infrastructure. Operating as a truly national initiative, NBIS employs more than 120 bioinformaticians, system developers, and data stewards across multiple locations in Sweden. It serves as the bioinformatics platform at SciLifeLab, a national resource that facilitates research in molecular biosciences by offering access to state-of-the-art technologies and technical expertise. With strong ties to data-producing facilities and ongoing collaborations with leading research groups, NBIS is ideally positioned to support world-class bioinformatics analyses. Furthermore, NBIS is the Swedish node in ELIXIR, the European infrastructure for biological information.

NBIS is seeking an experienced bioinformatician to support both Swedish and international projects. As part of our dynamic team, you will work closely with researchers to process large-scale biological data and contribute to advancing our data analysis infrastructure. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot complex bioinformatics pipelines are essential for success in this role. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are also important, as NBIS continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of the Swedish research community.

More at https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=778701

NOTIFICATION FOR FACULTY RECRUITMENT – 2013

(Faculty openings in Technology, Science, Architecture and Management at NIT Calicut, Kerala)

National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kerala, established under Act XXIX/ 2007of the Parliament is one of the leading technological institutions in the Country with nearly 6000 students enrolled for various UG, PG and Ph.D. programmes in Technology, Science, Architecture and Management. The Institute invites applications from Indian nationals, possessing consistent excellent academic record, commitment to quality teaching and potential for carrying out outstanding research, for the post of Assistant Professors in various departments against the backlog reserved vacancies for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Communities (OBC) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and also under open merit quota as detailed below. Candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC desirous of considering for selection under UR category also shall specifically indicate so in column 4.

Reservation quota for PWDs will be counted against the respective community. Young, meritorious, dynamic and student friendly academicians are welcome to join hands with the existing team in their effort to transform this Institute to a world class educational institution.

Candidates possessing Ph.D. degree will be considered for appointment on contract basis initially.

They will be considered for movement to AGP `7000 after one year of satisfactory performance.

Meritorious candidates possessing M.Tech./M.Phil. (*) with remarkably good potential to carry out outstanding research and already pursuing Ph.D. or aspiring to pursue Ph.D. will also be considered for appointment on contract, initially for a period of 3 years, extendable for a further period of 2 years on a year to year basis or till the candidate acquires Ph.D. degree whichever is earlier. Renewal of contract
will be done on an annual basis, subject to satisfactory progress of Ph.D. work, good conduct and good performance in teaching. Faculty appointed on contract basis will not be treated as regular staff till they are regularized, subject to the conditions stated earlier. The Institute has adopted 4-tier flexible faculty structure recommended by MHRD.

More Info : http://www.nitc.ac.in/index.php/?url=content/submenu/2345/5

1. Big Data and Bioinformatics

The exponential growth in biological data, driven by advancements in sequencing technologies and high-throughput experiments, has made bioinformatics an indispensable tool. By 2030, we anticipate:

• Petabyte-Scale Data Management: Enhanced storage solutions and cloud computing platforms will allow researchers to handle the vast amounts of data generated from omics studies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

• AI and Machine Learning Integration: Sophisticated algorithms will uncover patterns and relationships in large datasets, enabling predictions about gene function, disease susceptibility, and therapeutic outcomes.

2. Personalized Medicine and Genomics

Bioinformatics will play a pivotal role in tailoring healthcare to individual patients. Key developments include:

• Whole-Genome Sequencing in Clinics: The decreasing cost of sequencing will make it routine in medical diagnostics, enabling personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

• Drug Repurposing and Development: Computational tools will identify potential new uses for existing drugs, accelerating the development of targeted therapies.

3. Advancing Computational Tools

The future will see the development of more user-friendly and powerful bioinformatics tools:

• Graph-Based Approaches: Enhanced algorithms for analyzing complex biological networks, such as protein-protein interaction maps.

• Visualization Tools: Intuitive software for visualizing multi-dimensional data, enabling researchers to interpret findings more effectively.

4. Synthetic Biology and Systems Biology

Bioinformatics will continue to drive progress in synthetic and systems biology by:

• Gene Circuit Design: Leveraging computational models to design and simulate synthetic biological systems.

• Understanding Cellular Pathways: Integrating multi-omics data to model cellular processes with unprecedented accuracy.

5. Bioinformatics in Agriculture and Environmental Science

Beyond healthcare, bioinformatics will revolutionize agriculture and environmental conservation:

• Crop Improvement: Genomic studies will help develop high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crops.

• Microbial Ecology: Metagenomics will enhance our understanding of microbial communities, aiding in bioremediation and ecosystem management.

6. Democratization of Bioinformatics

Open-source software and accessible education will broaden participation in bioinformatics research:

• Community-Driven Projects: Collaborative platforms like GitHub will continue to foster innovation in tool development.

• Education and Training: Online courses and workshops will bridge skill gaps, enabling researchers from diverse backgrounds to contribute.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the future is bright, challenges remain. Data privacy and ethical concerns surrounding genetic information require careful navigation. Furthermore, addressing the digital divide is critical to ensuring equitable access to bioinformatics resources globally.

Conclusion

The future of bioinformatics is boundless, with opportunities to revolutionize our understanding of life and improve human health. As technologies evolve and collaborations flourish, bioinformatics will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of scientific discovery, unlocking the secrets of life one dataset at a time.

NAME OF THE POST : SRF/JRF (Four Posts only)

DURATION : Indicated with the respective project mentioned below:

NAME OF THE PROJECT : As Mentioned below:

1. Serological diversity and molecular characterization of Dichelobector nodusus and development of vaccine against virulent footroot funded by NAIP. (Tenable upto 31.03.2014)

2. Development of oral vaccine against Clostridium perfringenes employing translational fusion of immunodominant epitopes of beta toxin with heat labile entertoxin B funded by DBT. (Tenable upto 25.02.2014)

3. Indo-Norwegian project, “Evaluation of major porins, ompC and ompR of Areomonas hydrophila as potential vaccine candidates and identification and characterization of immune genes of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita” (Tenable upto 31.03.2014)

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: For JRF- M.Sc/M.Tech in any subject of Biological Sciences/Life Sciences

For SRF- M.Sc/M.Tech in any subject of Biological Sciences/Life Sciences with 2 years of Research Experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION : The Candidate should have experience in gene Expression, protein purification, molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics
EMOLUMENTS : SRF: Rs. 18,000/- per month consolidated plus 30% HRA if /NET/GATE qualified otherwise Rs. 14,000/- per month consolidated + 30% HRA.

JRF: Rs. 16,000/- per month consolidated + 30% HRA if NET/GATE qualified otherwise Rs. 12,000/- per month consolidated + 30% HRA

SCIENTIST NAME : Dr. Lalit C. Garg, SS-VII (Gene Regulation Lab)

SCIENTIST’S EMAIL : lalit@nii.ac.in

WALK IN INTERVIEW ON : October 31st, 2013

REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES: 10.30 AM to 11.00 AM

Advertisement: http://www1.nii.res.in/sites/default/files/project-Dr.Lalit-31oct2013.pdf

1️⃣ Data Analysis for the Life Sciences
A fantastic starting point to learn statistics, R programming, and exploratory data analysis in the context of biology. The best part? It’s available free online from HarvardX.

2️⃣ Practical Computing for Biologists
The very first book I picked up when I started learning computational biology. It’s beginner-friendly and focuses on essential computing skills every biologist needs.

3️⃣ A Primer for Computational Biology
An open-access, hands-on introduction to computational biology concepts and coding techniques. Perfect if you want to learn through real examples.

4️⃣ Computational Genomics with R
For those who already know R and want to dive deeper into genome-scale data analysis, from sequence alignment to gene expression.

5️⃣ The Biologist’s Guide to Computing
Bridges the gap between biological problems and computational thinking, making it easier for life scientists to approach programming and data analysis.

6️⃣ Bioinformatics Data Skills
A must-read to sharpen your bioinformatics toolkit — from command-line skills to reproducible research workflows. Ideal once you’ve covered the basics.

7️⃣ Bioinformatics Workbook
A practical tutorial series to help scientists design bioinformatics projects, analyze data, and understand best practices.

8️⃣ Modern Statistics for Modern Biology
An essential guide to modern statistical methods applied to biology, blending theory with hands-on examples in R.

9️⃣ Algorithms on Strings, Trees, and Sequences by Dan Gusfield
A classic reference for anyone wanting to understand the algorithms behind sequence alignment, genome assembly, and biological data structures.

More at http://incob2014.org/

People using computers were often seen
as helpers, not leaders—
useful, but not essential.

Sometimes, the criticism was direct.
Sometimes subtle.
But the message was the same—
this work doesn’t really count.

Then biology changed.
The questions became bigger,
and experiments alone
were no longer enough.

Organizing knowledge by hand worked once.
Now it needs computers—
to handle scale, speed, and complexity.

Some patterns are simply invisible
if you look at one sample.
You need many—
and the right tools to understand them.

So we started building maps—
of genomes, cells, and systems.
Not perfect,
but extremely useful.

Ideas also had to become clearer.
It’s no longer enough to say something sounds right—
you have to measure it.

The divide between “types” of biologists
never really made sense.
We are solving the same problems—
just in different ways.

Progress didn’t wait for agreement.
It moved forward with data,
with code,
and with careful analysis.

What matters now is simple:
• Biology depends on computation
• Coding is an important skill
• Statistics helps us think clearly
• And the people building these tools
are shaping the future of science