Bioinformatician - Generative Biology Institute

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Oxford is seeking a Bioinformatician to support researchers with data analysis and bioinformatics pipelines. This client-facing role requires an advanced degree in a data-oriented subject and experience in genomics. Ideal candidates will have strong programming skills, an understanding of laboratory settings, and excellent communication abilities. Join us to make a significant impact in the field of biology engineering.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience delivering bioinformatics analyses in a client-facing capacity.
• Understanding of experimental workflows and challenging data types.
• Familiarity with version-controlled codebases.

Responsibilities

• Provide data analysis and interpretation for GBI researchers.
• Develop and implement bioinformatics strategies and workflows.
• Ensure reproducibility, version control, and documentation.

Skills

Bioinformatics analyses

Genomics

Programming (R and/or Python)

Communication skills

Data handling best practices

Education

Advanced degree in a data-oriented subject

Tools

UNIX systems

Nextflow

Docker

Git

Job description

Overview

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity's greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world's most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

A cornerstone of EIT mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.

EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity's enduring challenges.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Bioinformatician to join the GBI team in a client-facing role, supporting researchers through interactive data analysis, workflow development, and strategic engagement. This position plays a key role in refining and running bioinformatics pipelines, promoting reproducible research, and enabling staff to access and benefit from the expertise of the world class Bioinformatics group.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide data analysis and interpretation for GBI researchers, assisting, where required, in manuscript preparation and submission.
• To participate in developing and implementing bioinformatics strategies, programs, and workflows that support the experimental programmes of GBI, including synthetic biology, genome design, and molecular evolution.
• To ensure reproducibility, version control, and documentation for all analyses and pipelines, contributing to open science and collaborative research.
• To organise and prioritise work, operating at the highest standard to defined deadlines.
• To ensure compliance with best practices in biological data handling, ensuring effective integration of biological data with laboratory and experimental metadata.
• To assist in the design and delivery of high-quality training to GBI staff and researchers.
• To support strategies for effective and timely user engagement, including user-group meetings, seminars, and chat systems.
• To use strategic learning opportunities to develop and broaden experitise; personally, and as part of efforts to ensure resilience within the group.
• To promote and champion EIT and the work of the GBI, representing the institute at functions and public events.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• An advanced degree in a data-oriented subject (e.g. Bioinformatics, Medical Informatics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry).
• Experience delivering bioinformatics analyses in a client-facing capacity, with strong knowledge of common analyses in genomics (e.g. bulk and single-cell RNAseq, WGS/WES, CUT-and-TAG).
• An appreciation, or experience, of working within a laboratory or scientific research setting; an understanding of the data types, limitations, and challenges across experimental workflows, and of relevant technicques in molecular biology upstream of data generation.
• Demonstrable programming skills (R and/or Python).
• Familiarity operating UNIX systems, including operating in HPC and/or Cloud environments (e.g. SLURM, OCI).
• Experience running and fault-finding analysis pipelines (e.g. Nextflow, Snakemake), especially utilising software containers (e.g. Docker, Singularity/Apptainer).
• Experience using and developing version-controlled codebases, familiarity with common tools (git) and development practises.
• Strong verbal and written communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical solutions into strategic value for the organisation.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits:

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

Why work for EIT

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.