Bioinformatician

Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

40.5 days annual leave

Defined contribution pension scheme

Free life assurance scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Season ticket loans

Maternity pay benefits

Cycle to work scheme

On-site parking

Job summary

Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Glasgow invites a bioinformatician to lead the computational function of the Rao lab, analysing large-scale datasets and shaping analytical strategies. You will collaborate with experimental researchers to develop pipelines and generate mechanistic insights.

The role focuses on genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, including IP-MS, single-cell RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and CRISPR screens.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics or related discipline is required.
• Substantial relevant experience in an academic research environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead computational projects and build robust data-analysis pipelines.
• Collaborate with group members to translate computational findings into experimentally testable hypotheses.
• Analyse and integrate large-scale genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics datasets.

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics or related discipline

Substantial relevant experience in an academic research environment

Job description

Bioinformatician

Dr Shalini Rao Research Group

Salary: From £29,761 to £47,625 depending on experience.

Contract: Fixed term contract, 2 years initially with possibility for extension.

About us

The CRUK Scotland Institute is a cancer research institute, situated in Glasgow with approximately 250 researchers split across 30 research groups consisting of PIs, postdoctoral scientists, PhD students and scientific officers. It is one of Europe's leading cancer research centres, supporting cutting-edge work into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development. As well as core support from Cancer Research UK, the Institute also receives an additional third of its total income from external grants and industry collaborations. It has an excellent reputation for fundamental cancer research, including world-class metabolism studies and renowned in vivo modelling of tumour growth and metastasis. Its research ethos is about excellence, honesty, openness, accountability and integrity

About the Role

The Rao lab studies how transcription factor networks and chromatin regulation control epithelial cell identity, and how disruption of these regulatory programmes drives cancer initiation, progression and therapeutic resistance. This is an exciting opportunity to join a new and ambitious research group at an early stage of its development. The successful candidate will have significant scope to shape the group's computational strategy, establish infrastructure and analytical approaches, and influence the direction of future research.

Please see here for more details on the Rao Laboratory.

The successful candidate will play a central role in establishing and the computational function of the group. They will work closely with Dr Rao and experimental researchers to analyse and integrate large-scale datasets, develop new computational approaches and generate mechanistic insight from complex biological data.

The work will focus primarily on the analysis and integration of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics datasets, including:

• IP-MS and proteomics
• Single-cell RNA-seq and other single-cell datasets
• ChIP-seq
• ATAC-seq
• CRISPR-based functional genomics screens
• Other emerging genomic and epigenomic technologies

The successful individual will lead computational projects, build robust data-analysis pipelines and collaborate closely with group members to translate computational findings into experimentally testable hypotheses.

Importantly, this role will go beyond data analysis. The successful candidate will be expected to interpret complex datasets in their biological context, present at lab meetings, identify meaningful patterns, provide insights into epigenetic regulatory networks. A strong understanding of biological and cancer principles is therefore essential.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics or a related discipline, together with substantial relevant experience in an academic research environment.

Further information on this role available here

Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Shalini Rao by email on [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our vision is to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive research culture based on our shared values of Innovate, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. These values, which underpin our behaviours and everything we do, allow all our people to realise their full potential. The diversity of our staff and students is also what makes the Institute such a vibrant place to work and advance discoveries in cancer research. Family friendly policies, our collaborative ethos, a focus on good mental health and well-being and opportunities for all help to create an enjoyable and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 40.5 days annual leave including bank holidays (FTE)
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Free life assurance scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Additional maternity pay for 6 months at full salary
• Shared parental leave including up to 6 weeks paid at full salary
• Cycle to work scheme saving tax and NI on cycle purchase and spreading repayments over up to 12 months
• Access to employee benefit schemes with discounts on supermarkets, cinema, travel and much more.
• On-site secure parking

Closing date for applications 20th November 2026

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. We aim to hold interviews in early December.

Please include a cover letter, ideally between 250 and 450 words. Your letter should explain:

• How you envisage contributing to and fitting into the Rao lab, including how your interests align with the group’s research.
• The relevant skills and experience you would bring to the role.