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Organisation position and purpose

We are looking for a bioinformatician to join the core Bioinformatics facility of the Pirbright Institute. This post is a permanent position incorporating a service component as well as opportunities for research. The Institute has excellent livestock containment facilities and well-tuned core facilities (sequencing, microscopy and flow cytometry) producing unique datasets.

This post will report to the head of Computational Biology. There are three components to the position: 50% sequencing-based core bioinformatics, 25% research with Genomics and Computational Biology groups and up to 25% bought research time for projects requiring bespoke support.

This post is offered at Band D/E, depending on experience.

Main duties and responsibility

Core Facility Tasks (50%):

Band D

• Data manipulation and visualisation for diverse data modalities (especially sequencing)
• Develop and maintain RNA-Seq and differential expression pipeline(s)
• Design and implement a spatial transcriptomics, single cell RNA-Seq pipeline
• Aid the development of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of omics datasets
• Communicate progress and results within the team and to collaborators.
• Assist in the day-to-day running of a compute cluster.

Band E

• Data manipulation and visualisation for diverse data modalities (especially sequencing)
• Develop and maintain RNA-Seq and differential expression pipeline(s)
• Design and implement a spatial transcriptomics, single cell RNA-Seq pipeline
• Lead the development of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of omics datasets
• Communicate progress and results within the team and to collaborators
• Provide technical input to grant applications by Institute group leaders
• Lead in the day-to-day running of a compute cluster

Research (25% with Genomics and Computational Biology Groups, + 25% on specific projects):

Band D/E

• Freedom to interact with wet-lab scientists producing unique datasets
• Work closely with two new analytics groups: Genomics and Computational Biology
• Help to expand and exploit a versatile set of sequencing capabilities located in high containment, in close collaboration with the Sequencing core facility

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.

Personal specification

• Results driven with a clear ability to drive and organise multiple projects.
• Good collaboration skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Able to problem solve and be creative in generating a solution whilst also able to perform the same activity in a consistent manner.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in an interdisciplinary environment
• Critical mind.

Specific requirements

Essential

Band D

• A PhD or equivalent in bioinformatics, computer science or relevant discipline
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis
• Knowledge of Unix and Linux operating systems
• Proficiency in R and/or Python programming and versioning tools
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Band E

• A PhD or equivalent in bioinformatics, computer science or relevant discipline
• Significant and relevant experience in a bioinformatics R&D environment
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis
• Knowledge of Unix and Linux operating systems
• Proficiency in R and/or Python programming and versioning tools
• Strong experience in building and deploying distributed pipelines for data science.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desirable

Band D

• Experience in working with diverse biological data types (ideally in livestock or immunity)
• Some understanding of AI and machine learning within computational biology contexts
• Experience in 10X chromium-generated data analysis
• Ability to work within, but not restricted by, an MS Windows work environment
• A publication records commensurate to the applicant’s career stage

Band E

• Experience in working with diverse biological data types (ideally in livestock or immunity)
• Clear understanding of AI and machine learning within computational biology contexts
• Previous involvement in setting up and/or maintaining computing clusters.
• Experience in 10X chromium-generated data analysis
• Ability to work within, but not restricted by, an MS Windows work environment
• A publication records commensurate to the applicant’s career stage

This post is offered at either Band D or Band E (details outlined above), the successful applicant will need to demonstrate existing skills in the field.

Due to the nature of the work we do, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

We would like to encourage all overseas applicants to consider the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa route. This has been designed to offer fast-tracked entry to the UK for scientific researchers to work and live in the UK. Please see for further information under the link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

The Pirbright Institute may be able to make a financial contribution towards the cost of immigration to the UK.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

Sifting and interviews will be conducted every week until successful candidate has been appointed to the position.

We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, for example individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, women, and people with disabilities (visible and hidden). We are committed to taking steps to increase the diversity of our employee and student community and removing any barriers to opportunities and success.

The Institute is committed to retaining staff employed on fixed term contracts of employment. The Institute operates a Redeployment process which is the moving of an employee from one role to another suitable alternative role, when possible, to avoid compulsory redundancies.

We recognise the need for flexibility in our working and personal lives and we have a range of flexible working arrangements in practice. Where the role allows, arrangements can also be agreed for some informal home-working and we are open to candidate questions about this. If you wish to find out more, or have any questions, please contact [email protected] or for informal enquiries please contact [email protected].

The deadline for application is 22nd June 2023, however applications will be reviewed weekly so early application is encouraged.

Interview target dates are 5th – 6th July for on-line first interviews and 13th – 14th July for second interviews (on-site if that is practically possible).