Bioinformatics Research Assistant

Oikos Genomics; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

OIKOS Genomics in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Bioinformatics Research Assistant to join our Conservation Genomics programme. The role focuses on the analysis and interpretation of genomic and metabarcoding data to support biodiversity assessment, genetic monitoring, and research.

You will work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, develop and maintain bioinformatics pipelines, ensure data quality and reproducibility, and prepare reports and visualisations for technical and non-technical

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc in a relevant field.
• At least two years of related experience (PhD acceptable).
• Experience with short- and long-read sequencing datasets (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore).
• Proficiency in Unix/Linux environments and scripting languages (Python, R).
• Experience with bioinformatics pipelines and workflow managers (Nextflow, Snakemake).
• Familiarity with common bioinformatics tools (BWA, GATK, SAMtools, ANGSD, STACKS).
• Understanding of genomic data analysis workflows (taxonomic assignment, SNP calling, population genomics).
• Strong data analysis and bioinformatics background.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical results to non-specialists.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Process and analyse sequencing data to support biodiversity, population genetics, and ecological monitoring programmes.
• Implement and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for routine analyses (e.g., taxonomic assignment, SNP calling, population structure).
• Perform genomic analyses (e.g., heterozygosity, F-statistics, relatedness, population structure) and support interpretation using PCA, ADMIXTURE, and phylogenetic approaches.
• Support genome assembly and analysis workflows, including long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., Oxford Nanopore), as required by projects.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, traceability, and reproducibility across all stages of bioinformatics workflows.
• Collaborate with laboratory, genetics, and field teams to define analytical needs and integrate results into conservation programmes.
• Manage, curate, and document datasets in line with internal data governance and best practices.
• Prepare clear reports and data visualisations to support both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain and improve scripts, tools, workflows, and documentation to support efficiency and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Unix/Linux

Python

R

Nextflow

Snakemake

BWA

GATK

SAMtools

ANGSD

STACKS

SNP calling

Population genomics

Data analysis

Bioinformatics

Communication skills

English fluency

Education

MSc or BSc in a relevant field

Tools

Nextflow

Snakemake

BWA

GATK

SAMtools

ANGSD

STACKS

Oxford Nanopore

Illumina

PCA

ADMIXTURE

Job description

At OIKOS Genomics, we specialize in developing and delivering advanced, customized, and cost-effective genomic solutions tailored to the needs of our global partners.

Committed to supporting conservation and applied genomics projects, we provide end-to-end services covering the full workflow—from sample collection and laboratory processing to data analysis and interpretation.

Our multidisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and continuous technological innovation, enabling us to deliver high-impact, science-driven solutions across diverse environments.

In addition, we actively support the design and execution of conservation genomics research programs, offering a comprehensive suite of services to address complex and evolving project needs.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a Bioinformatics Research Assistant to join our Conservation Genomics programme. The role focuses on the analysis and interpretation of genomic and metabarcoding data to support biodiversity assessment, genetic monitoring, and research. The ideal candidate can work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.

Your Main Role Will Be:

• Process and analyse sequencing data to support biodiversity, population genetics, and ecological monitoring programmes.
• Implement and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for routine analyses (e.g., taxonomic assignment, SNP calling, population structure).
• Perform genomic analyses (e.g., heterozygosity, F-statistics, relatedness, population structure) and support interpretation using tools such as PCA, ADMIXTURE, and phylogenetic approaches.
• Support genome assembly and analysis workflows, including long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., Oxford Nanopore), as required by projects.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, traceability, and reproducibility across all stages of bioinformatics workflows.
• Collaborate with laboratory, genetics, and field teams to define analytical needs and integrate results into conservation programmes.
• Manage, curate, and document datasets in line with internal data governance and best practices.
• Prepare clear reports and data visualisations to support both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain and improve scripts, tools, workflows, and documentation to support efficiency and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications & Requirements

• MSc or BSc degree in a relevant field.
• At least two years of related experience (including a PhD if applicable).
• Experience handling both short- and long-read sequencing datasets (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore).
• Proficiency in Unix/Linux environments and scripting languages (e.g., Python, R).
• Experience with bioinformatics pipelines and workflow managers (e.g., Nextflow, Snakemake).
• Familiarity with common bioinformatics tools (e.g., BWA, GATK, SAMtools, ANGSD, STACKS).
• Understanding of genomic data analysis workflows (e.g., taxonomic assignment, SNP calling, population genomics).
• Strong data analysis and bioinformatics background.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical results to non-specialists.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.