Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

UCB; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist in Slough, UK, to join the Data Science and Analytics team. You will integrate multi-omics data to support target identification, biomarker discovery, and translational research across discovery and clinical development.

You will combine biology with computational methods, spanning bulk, single-cell, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, and contribute to precision medicine.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc with significant industry experience in bioinformatics.
• Strong ability to analyze and biologically interpret omics data (bulk, single-cell, spatial).
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech settings is ideal.
• Proficient in Python and R; capable of reproducible pipelines with Nextflow/Snakemake.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to target hypotheses, asset prioritisation, and patient stratification using multi-omics data.
• Work across data types from bulk to spatial transcriptomics and proteomics.
• Develop and apply analytical methods for functional interpretation and pathway analyses.
• Integrate diverse datasets to generate mechanistic biological insights.
• Apply ML and systems biology approaches; communicate findings clearly.
• Support evolution of bioinformatics workflows and data integration strategies.

Skills

Python

R

Nextflow

Snakemake

Docker

Git

Azure DevOps

Cloud computing

HPC

Multi-omics data analysis

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Computational Biology

Computational Genetics

Life Sciences

MSc with industry experience

Tools

DNAnexus

AWS

Azure DevOps

Kubernetes

Job description

We are looking for a scientifically curious, data-driven, and inventive Senior Bioinformatics

Scientist to join our Data Science and Analytics department, advancing the discovery and development of therapies through the analysis and interpretation of complex biological data. The role is based in Slough, UK.

About The Role

As Senior Bioinformatics Scientist, you will make a substantial contribution to therapeutic programs across research and clinical development. By integrating, analysing, and interpreting large-scale molecular and patient-level datasets, you will generate insights that support target identification, biomarker discovery, indication selection, patient stratification, and translational research efforts.

You will combine strong biological expertise with advanced computational approaches to help uncover disease mechanisms and inform decision-making across UCB's portfolio. Working at the intersection of data science, biology and drug discovery, you will contribute to the development of precision medicine and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Who You'll Work With

You will collaborate with scientists across biology, translational medicine, pharmacology, and data sciences, translating complex biomedical datasets into mechanistic insights that support therapeutic project progression. You will work alongside and with guidance from senior colleagues within the bioinformatics group.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to target hypotheses, indication prioritization, asset differentiation, and patient stratification using multi-omics data.
• Work confidently across data types, from bulk and single-cell transcriptomics to genetics and proteomics, drawing biological meaning from each.
• Apply and develop analytical methods for functional interpretation of biological data, including pathway and systems level analyses.
• Work with combinations of diverse data types, including gene expression, genetic, VDJ repertoire, spatial, and proteomic datasets, to generate biological insights.
• Apply statistical, machine learning, and systems biology approaches to answer key scientific questions.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Support the continuous evolution of bioinformatics approaches and workflows, data integration strategies, and analytical best practices.

Interested? For this role we're looking for:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computational Genetics, Life Sciences or MSc with significant industry experience.
• Industry or academic experience in a bioinformatics role, ideally within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.
• Solid expertise in the analysis and biological interpretation of omics data, ideally including bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Experience with other omics modalities and familiarity with immunology are a significant plus.
• Strong programming skills in Python and R, with hands-on experience developing reproducible bioinformatics pipelines using Nextflow/Snakemake, containerisation with Docker, version control via Git/Azure DevOps, and deployment on cloud-based (e.g. AWS/DNAnexus) and HPC environments.
• Scientific rigor and excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Are you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.