Principal Bioinformatician

Cancer Research UK; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Principal Bioinformatician, leading the computational strategy for analyzing large-scale genetic screens. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape drug discovery efforts, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and contribute to groundbreaking research that translates into patient benefits. With a focus on functional genomics and cutting-edge technology, you will guide a talented team while engaging in impactful projects. If you are passionate about driving innovation in cancer research and have a strong background in bioinformatics, this position is your chance to make a significant difference.

Benefits

Pension Contribution

Income Protection

Flexible Working Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics or equivalent experience in drug discovery.
• Proven leadership in scientific and team management roles.

Responsibilities

• Manage bioinformaticians, shaping computational strategy for genetic screens.
• Lead development of quantitative approaches to answer biological questions.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Leadership

Computational Biology

NGS Data Analysis

Functional Genomics

R Programming

Python Programming

SQL

Machine Learning

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Equivalent Drug Discovery Experience

Job description

200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team - Cancer Research Horizons.

Principal Bioinformatician (Under the leadership of Alex Kalinka)

Starting salary: in the range of £62K to £68K, dependent on experience plus benefits (includes up to 12% pension contribution and income protection)

Reports to: Group Leader

Directorate: Research & Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Cambridge, Functional Genomics Centre, Biomedical Campus (Limited flexibility 3-4 days per week on site)

Closing date: 12 May 2025 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found. We recommend applying early. Please contact [e-mail] or 020 3469 8400 for any questions or adjustments needed.

Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship. Please indicate this on your application if applicable.

Recruitment process: Screening call, competency-based interview, and pre-prepared presentation

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Cancer Research Horizons is seeking a passionate individual to lead our computational strategy for analyzing large-scale genetic perturbation screens at the Functional Genomics Centre (FGC). Join us as we advance our collaboration with AstraZeneca at their Discovery centre (DISC) in Cambridge.

About Cancer Research Horizons

As the world's largest medical research charity, we've helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. Our mission is to develop more effective treatments faster by creating a new approach to therapeutic innovation, combining cancer biology expertise, a strong academic network, cutting-edge technology, and clinical insights.

With sites in Cambridge, Glasgow, London, and Newcastle, CRH employs about 200 staff from both industry and academia.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Leader of our Quantitative Biology team, you will manage 1+ bioinformaticians, shaping our computational strategy for genetic screens, and leading the development of quantitative approaches to answer key biological questions. You will bring your expertise in functional genomics, particularly in drug discovery, to impact our projects, collaborate across disciplines, and support training and development of colleagues.

This role involves working with techniques such as CRISPR single-cell screens (Perturb-seq) and in vivo CRISPR screenings. You will also participate in conferences, publish papers, and contribute to our mission of translating science into patient benefits.

What are we looking for?

• PhD in bioinformatics, data science, or equivalent drug discovery experience
• Proven leadership in scientific and team management roles
• Deep expertise in computational biology, especially in drug discovery contexts
• Experience with NGS data analysis and functional genomics
• Proficiency in R, Python, and SQL
• Track record of scientific delivery and collaboration
• Experience with machine learning or AI is a plus

Our values: Bold, Credible, Human, Together — guide our work and culture. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to accessibility and inclusion. Please inform us of any adjustments needed to support your application or work experience.