Bioinformatics Engineer

Genomics England; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading genomics organization in the UK seeks a skilled Bioinformatics Engineer to enhance its rare disease genome analysis pipeline. The ideal candidate will develop and maintain software tools for analyzing high-throughput genomic data, following best practices in software design and agile methodologies. Responsibilities include producing automated tests, producing high-quality code, and collaborating with domain experts. This role offers generous leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to equity and diversity.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Defined contribution pension

Employee recognition programme

Subsidised gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience in software testing strategies.
• Solid Python coding skillset.
• Solid skillset in Bioinformatics, understanding of standards and data sources in NGS.
• Proficient in Linux and containerisation techniques.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines in a version control system.

Responsibilities

• Produce automated tests to validate existing and new code.
• Contribute to all testing and deployment stages up to production.
• Produce high-quality code for genome analysis and workflows.
• Interact with domain experts to ensure software validity.
• Write documentation for decision and design traceability.

Skills

Software testing strategies

Python coding

Bioinformatics knowledge

Linux proficiency

Containerisation techniques (Docker, Singularity)

Collaborative software development practices

Technical writing skills

Production quality algorithms

CI/CD pipelines

Building scientific workflows

Education

MSc in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Bioinformatics

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for a skilled Bioinformatics Engineer to work on our rare disease genome analysis pipeline. The pipeline utilises cutting-edge genomics techniques to analyse genomes generated by Illumina sequencing technology and provides insights on diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. This pipeline is a key component of the NHS WGS Genomic Medicine Service: this position offers a unique opportunity for a bioinformatics engineer to have real world, positive impact for rare disease patients.

Bioinformatics Engineers are software engineers with extensive experience in bioinformatics and are responsible for developing and maintaining software tools and datasets used to solve a wide variety of bioinformatic needs. They are also responsible for the high quality and robustness of such tools, following best practices during software design, development, and testing. As a Bioinformatics Engineer at Genomics England, you will also be required to follow and contribute to agile practices, as well as to act as a subject‑matter expert for bioinformatics. You will be supporting the continuous improvement of our practices, collaborating, and adhering to engineering standards.

Responsibilities

• Produce automated tests to validate existing and new code.
• Contribute to all testing and deployment stages up to the production environment.
• Produce high‑quality code for high‑throughput sequencing data analysis, genome analysis, workflows and interpretation.
• Interact with domain experts during the lifecycle of projects to ensure the scientific validity of software products.
• Contribute to discovery tasks during the initial phase of new developments and achieve understanding of early‑stage decisions to inform final software design.
• Write documentation to achieve an exhaustive log of decisions, designs, tests, results etc. that enable full traceability of processes.
• Be a proactive member of a squad, adopting agile practices and offering subject‑matter expertise.
• Ensure adherence to the various standards and accreditations required for both clinical laboratory practice and software delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience in software testing strategies.
• Solid Python coding skillset.
• Solid skillset in Bioinformatics, understanding of the standards, data sources and tool chains used in NGS.
• Proficient in Linux and containerisation techniques (Docker, Singularity).
• Proficient in collaborative software development practices (code reviews, branching strategies).
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Solid expertise of developing production quality algorithms and software to analyse large data sets.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines in a repository / version control system.
• Experience in building scientific workflows. Experience with Nextflow is highly desirable.
• MSc equivalent or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Bioinformatics or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, additional leave for long service, and the option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (approval required).
• Family‑Friendly: Blended working arrangements, flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave benefits.
• Pension & Financial: Defined contribution pension (Genomics England double‑matches up to 10%, however you can contribute more if you wish), Life Assurance (3× salary), and a Give As You Earn scheme.
• Learning & Development: Individual learning budgets, support for training and certifications, and reimbursement for one annual professional subscription (approval required).
• Recognition & Rewards: Employee recognition programme and referral scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: Subsidised gym membership, a free Headspace account, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, eye tests, flu jabs.

Equal Opportunities

Equal opportunities and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice both within our community and in any other area where we have influence. We are proud of our diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of any disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or social background. Genomics non‑discrimination and equity will be applied fairly to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, being pregnant or recently becoming a parent, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, length of service, whether full or part‑time or employed under a permanent or a fixed‑term contract or any other relevant factor. Genomics England does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying at work. Such behaviour undermines our mission and core values and diminishes the dignity, respect and integrity of all parties. We aim to remove barriers in our recruitment processes and to be flexible with our interview processes. If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please discuss these with us.