Bioinformatician (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge seeks a full-time Bioinformatician in the Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. This role focuses on genomic data analysis and tool development for cancer diagnosis and treatment, requiring expertise in bioinformatics and significant programming experience. Ideal candidates hold an MSc/PhD and have relevant industry experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with NGS data manipulation is essential.
• Proficiency in programming and pipeline development required.
• Experience in molecular diagnostics or cancer genomics desirable.

Responsibilities

• Implement and validate automated tools for high throughput sequencing data.
• Coordinate bioinformatics infrastructure and maintain pipelines.
• Work within a team to provide bioinformatics support and service development.

Skills

Database design

Linux-based computational clusters

DNA sequencing analysis

Bioinformatics pipeline development

NGS data manipulation

Programming

Education

MSc/PhD in Bioinformatics, System Biology, Computer Science, Maths, or Statistics

Job description

Applications are invited for a full-time Bioinformatician who will be based in the Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL), Clifford Allbutt Building, Hills Road, Cambridge.

The CMDL is a key strategic resource for the Integrative Cancer Medicine (ICM) Programme aimed to translate cutting edge genomic methods for advanced diagnosis and clinical management of cancer supported by the CRUK Cambridge Centre and the NIHR-BRC. (http://www.cambridgecancercentre.org.uk/research/cancer-molecular-diagnostics-lab-cmdl ). This resource is one of the major resources in the ICM programme that also includes imaging, tissue resources, data integration, and clinical science. The genomic data and analysis is an integral and critical component of the ICM programme.

The pioneering Integrated Cancer Medicine Program (ICM) currently running in the CRUK Cambridge Centre, bring together knowledge, expertise and emerging technologies to establish a personalised cancer medicine strategy that diagnoses cancer early and individually stratifies, treats and monitors all patients (http://www.cambridgecancercentre.org.uk/ ).

We are seeking a bioinformatician with an interest in molecular oncology and a flexible approach to work. Experience of configuring and using Linux-based computational clusters, database design and maintenance, a good understanding of the principles of DNA sequencing analysis including NGS, and proficiency in using command-line and writing and running scripts are essential.

The successful applicant will work to implement and validate automated tools for the processing and analysis of high throughput sequencing data, associated with the development of comprehensive tumour profiling platforms. This work will align with ICM clinical programmes currently being developed in both haem malignancies & solid cancers. The successful applicant will also play a crucial part coordinating bioinformatics infrastructure for the group. This will require delivering a range of development work demanding skilled performance in maintaining and updating bioinformatics pipelines and taking responsibility for some areas of the service, as well as contributing to service development. The ability to work well within a team and act as an efficient and pro-active service provider with good communication and presentation skills is essential.

The successful applicant will hold an MSc/PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or have equivalent experience, and will hold a post-graduate qualification in Bioinformatics, System Biology, Computer Science, Maths, Statistics or obtained equivalent knowledge through relevant and substantial experience. Significant programming and pipeline development experience is essential. Data manipulation in a bioinformatics environment (e.g., Bioconductor, R, etc.) and experience with NGS data manipulation is essential. Prior experience in molecular diagnostics or cancer genomics would be advantageous. Quality: Experience working within a GCLP or ISO environment and method validation (especially computer system validation) experience desirable.

The closing date for completed applications is 29th June 2025, with interviews to be held in week commencing July 7,2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

This appointment requires a Research Passport application.

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Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RD46165 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.