Senior Scientist AI Genomics

MHRA; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory agency seeks a Senior Scientist in AI Genomics to lead innovative research and application of AI models in genomics. Based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, this full-time position involves collaboration within the genomics ecosystem to ensure the safety and performance of AI for healthcare. Candidates should possess advanced bioinformatics expertise and a relevant degree, demonstrating experience in data analysis and AI tools. This role offers a hybrid work model, contributing significantly to public health advancements.

Qualifications

• Experience in biological and clinical data analysis across NGS applications.
• Expertise in generative AI and advanced bioinformatics.
• Deep understanding of NGS data formats and bioinformatics tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and evaluation of AI/ML models for genomic datasets.
• Provide expertise in generative AI to accelerate genomic diagnostics.
• Collaborate with researchers to innovate standards for genomic applications.

Skills

Biological and clinical data analysis

Generative AI tools

Advanced bioinformatics pipelines

Establishing professional relationships

Education

MS degree in bioinformatics/computational biology

PhD in a related field

Tools

NGS data formats

Bioinformatics tools

AI/ML models

Job description

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist AI Genomics to join our Research and Development Function within the Science and Research group.

This is a full‑time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up as required, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The Science and Research Group delivers public health impact, world‑leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability.

The S&R Research & Development function will deliver statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for extant and future biological medicines. Research and Development will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biologicals, biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation that was formerly hosted by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC).

What’s the role?

The post‑holder will be responsible for:

• Leading the design and evaluation of AI/ML models applied to genomic, clinical, and multi‑modal datasets, ensuring their safety, transparency, and performance for regulatory and healthcare applications.
• Providing deep expertise in generative AI and advanced bioinformatics to support the Genomics team in its mission to accelerate the harmonisation of genomic diagnostics across the UK and internationally.
• Collaborating with leading researchers across multiple institutions, fostering innovation and working within the UK genomics ecosystem, including the NHS, academia, AI labs, and bioinformatics networks, to shape standards for next‑generation diagnostics, precision medicine, and AI‑driven clinical genomics.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of cutting‑edge generative AI tools and advanced bioinformatics pipelines to support applications in genomic diagnostics.
• Lead the development of innovative, fit‑for‑purpose synthetic genomic data standards for AI in genomics, to complement established physical international standards and reference materials.
• Provide expert input into guidance documents, regulatory frameworks and validation approaches for AI‑enabled diagnostic tools.
• Contribute to national and international standards for AI in genomics, working with WHO, ISO, GA4GH and UK partners.

Who are we looking for?

• Demonstrate experience in biological and clinical data analysis and across a range of NGS applications.
• Demonstrate experience in generative AI tools and advanced bioinformatics pipelines to support applications in genomic diagnostics.
• Have obtained a MS degree with 3+ years of experience or PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, or related field.
• Have a deep understanding of NGS data formats, bioinformatics tools, AI/ML models.
• Be able to establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A = Application, I = Interview, P = Presentation.

Behaviour Criteria

• Working Together (A, I)
• Delivering at Pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in biological and clinical data analysis and across a range of NGS applications (A, P)
• Demonstrated experience in generative AI tools and advanced bioinformatics pipelines to support applications in genomic diagnostics (A, I, P)
• Expertise in multi‑modal data integration, including genomic, clinical, and biological datasets (A, I, P)
• Familiarity with regulatory policy development and horizon scanning for emerging AI technologies in healthcare (A, P)
• Strong knowledge of genomics, variant interpretation, clinical genetics and assay performance (A, P)

Technical Criteria

• MS degree with 3+ years of experience or PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, or related field (A, P)
• Deep understanding of NGS data formats, bioinformatics tools, AI/ML models (A, I, P)

Strengths Criteria

• Analytical (I)
• Learner (I)

Cl. Closing date: 30th January

Shortlisting date: from 6th February

Interview date: from 16th February

Applicants will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro‑life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [e-mail].

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at [e-mail].

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.