Research Associate (Bioinformatics, Population Genomics & Research Data Management)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Generous pension scheme

41 days leave (pro rata)

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a data and analytics specialist to support the ARIA Accelerated Adaptation programme. You will help build a shared data framework, train researchers in bioinformatics, and develop reproducible pipelines for GWAS and multi-omics analyses.

Strong programming skills and HPC experience are essential. Join a collaborative team across the NEOf and Genomics labs, contributing to data curation, dashboards, and re‑analysis workflows.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Genomics, Quantitative Genetics, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Experience in bioinformatic or population genomic analyses, including processing high-throughput sequencing (NGS) datasets.
• Strong programming skills (Linux/Bash, R, Python) and experience using High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters.
• Knowledge and practical application of FAIR data principles, reproducible research practices, and version control (Git/GitHub).
• Experience in delivering training, workshops, or 1:1 support in bioinformatics, coding, or data management.
• Proven ability to organise and manage large biological or phenotypic datasets with data quality/validation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to present methods clearly.
• Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary, multi-institutional partnerships and meet multiple deadlines.
• Excellent customer service skills with responses to enquiries and requests for advice.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate analytical, data management, and training needs with project leads and research teams.
• Co-develop and deliver tailored bioinformatics training workshops and data management guidance.
• Establish reproducible bioinformatic pipelines for population genomics and multi-omics analyses.
• Provide 1:1 analytical support for complex genomic datasets.
• Collaborate with the Research Software Engineering team to develop web-based visualisations and dashboards.
• Build verification pipelines for independent re‑analyses of claims.
• Maintain code repositories and documentation to enable cross‑project collaboration.
• Support bioinformatic workflows on the University’s HPC system.
• Represent the project at meetings, workshops and conferences.

Skills

Linux/Bash

R

Python

Data management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related

Tools

Git

GitHub

HPC

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

This post will involve providing core data and analytics support to the ARIA Accelerated Adaptation programme, delivered jointly by the University of Sheffield (NEOF, based in the Genomics Laboratory of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology cluster in the School of Biosciences, & Research Software Engineering) and the Earlham Institute (COPO Project). The appointee will play a pivotal role in establishing a comprehensive data support framework for research teams across the programme. Key responsibilities include co-developing and delivering training and bioinformatics support in data management, data deposition, and advanced bioinformatic workflows.

You will assist partner research groups with experimental design, study curation, and data analysis—likely to include low-coverage whole-genome sequencing, genotype imputation, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic prediction, selection tests, and multi-omics.

In addition to providing training and bioinformatic support, the appointee will play a pivotal role in establishing shared bioinformatic pipelines (e.g., via GitHub) and collaborating with RSE specialists to support independent verification of research findings by building re‑analysis workflows, evaluating scientific claims submitted by programme research groups, and helping populate shared results dashboards.

Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Genomics, Quantitative Genetics, Computational Biology, or a relevant area along with experience in bioinformatic or population genomic analyses, including processing high‑throughput sequencing (NGS) datasets. Strong programming skills (e.g., Linux/Bash, R, Python) and experience using High‑Performance Computing (HPC) clusters are also essential.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Liaise with project leads and coordinate directly with research teams across the ARIA Accelerated Adaptation programme to identify analytical, data management, and training needs.
• Co‑develop and deliver tailored training workshops covering FAIR data principles, reproducible research data management, sample tracking, software best practices, and data deposition to public repositories (e.g., NCBI SRA).
• Establish, optimise, and disseminate reproducible bioinformatic pipelines and protocols (e.g., via shared GitHub repositories) for population genomics, low‑coverage whole‑genome sequencing, genotype imputation, GWAS, genomic prediction, and multi‑omics analyses.
• Provide 1:1 analytical and bioinformatic support and guidance to partner research groups analysing complex genomic, transcriptomic, or phenotypic datasets.
• Collaborate with the Research Software Engineering (RSE) team to support the curation, independent verification, and presentation of findings through web‑based interactive data visualisations and dashboards.
• Build and execute verification pipelines to perform independent re‑analyses of analytical claims submitted by programme research teams.
• Set up and maintain Slack channels, version‑controlled code repositories, and documentation to facilitate informal support and cross‑project collaboration.
• Assist with the administration and execution of bioinformatic workflows on the University’s High‑Performance Computing (HPC) facility.
• Represent the project at meetings, workshops, and conferences as required.
• Continuously check project progress and adapt work schedules flexibly to accommodate new developments across supported research streams.
• As a member of staff, make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Hold a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Genomics, Quantitative Genetics, Computational Biology, or a relevant area.

Essential Application

Experience in bioinformatic or population genomic analyses, including processing high‑throughput sequencing (NGS) datasets.

Essential Application / Interview

Strong programming skills (e.g., Linux/Bash, R, Python) and experience using High‑Performance Computing (HPC) clusters.

Essential Application / Interview

Knowledge and practical application of FAIR data principles, reproducible research practices, and version control systems (e.g., Git/GitHub).

Essential Application / Interview

Experience in delivering training, workshops, or 1:1 support in bioinformatics, coding, or data management.

Essential Application / Interview

Proven ability to organise, curate, and manage large biological or phenotypic datasets with attention to data quality and validation.

Essential Application / Interview

Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write user‑friendly protocols and present analytical methods clearly.

Essential Application / Interview

Ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary, multi‑institutional partnerships (e.g., collaborating with external data software/repository teams) and deliver on multiple parallel project deadlines.

Essential Application / Interview

Excellent customer service skills, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to enquiries and requests for advice.

Essential Application / Interview

Experience in verifying analytical workflows, code auditing, or performing independent re‑analysis of third‑party genomic/biological datasets.

Desirable Application / Interview

Practical experience with advanced genomic methods such as genotype imputation, GWAS, genomic prediction, or multi‑omics (e.g., transcriptomics, methylomics).

Desirable Application / Interview

Peer‑reviewed publications in international journals.

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,784 - £41,064 per annum

Work arrangement: Full‑time

Duration: Fixed‑term from 24 September 2026 to 31 August 2028

Line manager: Chair in Molecular Ecology

Direct reports: None

Right to work in the UK: If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website: School of Biosciences

Our website: NEOF Facility

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Terry Burke at [e-mail]

Our vision and strategic plan: We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 06/09/2026

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.