Research Assistant

Karlstad University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK University is seeking an experienced bioinformatician for their Deep Seq facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for the analysis and interpretation of NGS datasets, providing analytical support to researchers. Applicants should have a PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics and strong programming skills. This is a full-time, permanent position with flexible working options available. Informal inquiries can be directed to the provided email address.

Qualifications

• Experience interpreting large datasets and applying methodologies.
• Skills in database management and RNA-Seq analysis.
• Familiarity with ONT data analysis is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analyses and design new workflows for data processing.
• Prepare reports and support facility users with insights.
• Manage servers and communicate findings to diverse researchers.

Skills

Analysis of NGS datasets

Communication with researchers

Programming in Python or R

HPC environment experience

Education

PhD or near completion in Bioinformatics

MSc in a related field

Tools

Linux operating systems

Workflow management systems

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for an experienced bioinformatician to join the Deep Seq facility, where you will take responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) datasets generated on a range of cutting-edge platforms. The successful candidate will provide expert analytical support and advice to facility users, helping them to extract maximum biological insight from their data. This will require effective communication with researchers from diverse backgrounds and the ability to translate between biological questions and computational analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct analyses using available tools; adapt existing methodologies and scripts; design new pipelines and workflows that deliver accurate, reproducible, and timely results.
• Prepare analysis reports, user summaries, and contribute to publications.
• Support and advise facility users to extract biological insights from NGS data.
• Manage and optimise dedicated servers and HPC resources for data processing (leading role in their management).
• Communicate findings clearly to researchers and collaborators with diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD (or near completion), MSc in Bioinformatics, or equivalent professional experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Linux operating systems; ability to analyse and interpret large datasets and apply critical evaluation to current methodologies.
• Strong programming skills in at least one scripting/programming language (e.g. Python, R, Perl, Nextflow, C++, or Java).
• Experience in areas such as database management, sequence alignment and assembly, variant and methylation calling, RNA-Seq analysis, and integration of public datasets.
• Familiarity with workflow management systems (e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow) and experience using HPC environments is advantageous.

Facilities and Tools

The facility specialises in Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION, GridION, and PromethION instruments — experience in ONT data analysis is a significant advantage, though training can be provided. Deep Seq operates short-read platforms from Illumina, single-cell technologies including 10x Genomics platforms, and other technologies. The facility maintains several dedicated servers and HPC resources for data processing.

Terms and Start

This is a full-time permanent post (36.25 hours per week). Immediate start available; flexible working arrangements and job-share options may be considered.

How to Apply

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Matthew Loose ([e-mail]). Applications should be submitted in the submission system; direct emails to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date

02 February 2026

Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

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