Computational Biologist

University of Leicester School of Business; Leicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Leicester is seeking a skilled Bioinformatics Scientist to lead innovative cancer research. This role involves analyzing spatial imaging and genomic data, collaborating with a team of experts, and developing computational pipelines. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in bioinformatics, has substantial programming experience in R or Python, and is passionate about advancing cancer research. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in bioinformatics or a related biological science.
• Experience in cancer immunology and patient-derived explants.
• Strong background in computational pipeline development.

Responsibilities

• Analyze multiplexed immunofluorescence spatial imaging and genomic data.
• Develop and optimize bespoke informatics pipelines.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver project milestones.

Skills

R programming

Python programming

Machine learning

Spatial-omics

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in bioinformatics or related field

Tools

Linux command line

Job description

About The Role

In this role based within the Leicester Cancer Research Centre, you will spearhead the bioinformatics and computational biology dimensions of an innovative Cancer Research Horizons programme. Your responsibilities will include the analysis of multiplexed immunofluorescence spatial imaging, genomic sequencing and expression profiling data, and the development, troubleshooting and quality assurance of bespoke informatics pipelines in accordance with GCLP standards.

You will collaborate with the Explant Facility Manager, technicians, histomorphometrists and Principal Investigators to deliver key project milestones, whilst also preparing reports, curating multimodal data and supporting training in bioinformatics and biostatistics.

About You

You will hold a PhD (or be near completion) in bioinformatics or a related biological sciences discipline with substantial programming experience, especially in R or Python, and a robust background in cancer immunology, spatial-omics, and ex-vivo techniques such as patient-derived explants (PDEs), multiplexed immunofluorescence and digital pathology.

Proficiency with Linux command line, experience in developing and optimising computational pipelines, and familiarity with machine learning and dimension reduction methods are essential. You will demonstrate strong research output, excellent communication skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments, and a keen enthusiasm for high-quality research delivery.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Gareth Miles, Lecturer in Cancer Patient Derived Explant Technology, [e-mail]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.