We are seeking a passionate and motivated Bioinformatician to support a variety of research groups in the University of Glasgow and Beatson Institute.

The applicant will have in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of next-generation sequencing methods and cancer genomics; have excellent analytical skills and an ability to handle and interpret complex, high-dimension datasets. The applicant will achieve objectives within pre-determined timescales, undertake day-to-day management of analytical work and provide core technical support tasks as required.

The successful applicant will work closely with other team members from diverse backgrounds, including scientists, pathologists, image analysts, data scientists, computational biologists, and clinicians; to support and ensure the success of the research goals.

1. Lead analyses of large genomic datasets, aggregate cohorts from both internal and external sources and complete meta-analyses of the data, all in compliance with best practices in data security.

2. To work independently and under supervision on assigned projects, carrying out bioinformatics tasks.

3. To contribute to grant funding applications.

4. To carry out validation of other bioinformatics work.

5. To act as a mentor for more junior bioinformatics staff.

6. To undergo training and gain experience in more advanced bioinformatics methods, and bioinformatics programming.

7. To carry out bioinformatics consultancy under the direction and guidance of others.

8. To meet with and present results to external collaborators.

9. Keep up with developments in bioinformatics, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analytical methods and their application to cancer. Provide guidance to future methods development, understand the challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable strategy.

10. Present work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops and contribute to publications as appropriate.

11. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the School of Cancer Sciences and wider community.

12. As necessary, contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students, and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

13. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and Institute research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs, and culture of the School of Cancer Sciences and the Beatson Institute.

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. To comply with relevant Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs] and production of internal bioinformatics documentation. To contribute to the development of relevant bioinformatics SOPs and participate in internal/external audits.

16. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Director of Institute/Head of School.

17. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1. Postgraduate qualification [Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11, Masters Degree or equivalent professional experience]

A2. Competence in bioinformatics, computer science or a related subject through demonstrated delivery of such competence in a research role.
A3. Knowledge of NGS methodologies and applications in cancer research.

A4. Knowledge of data security and GDPR.

Desirable
B1. MSc in Bioinformatics or closely related subject

Skills
Essential
C1. Competent in at least one scripting language (e.g Perl, Python, R etc)
C2. Competent in command-line usage and shell scripting
C3. Good understanding of the software packages used for bioinformatic analysis and ability to integrate multi-omics approaches in cancer research.

C4. Ability to multi-task and independently handle complex projects.

C5. Excellent communication skills with IT specialists, researchers and administrators, with ability to present challenges and possible solutions in a clear and understandable way to a broad audience.
C6. Highly motivated, ability to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
C7. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C8. Appropriate workload and time management skills.
C9. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

Desirable
D1. Familiarity with open-source software development.
D2. Familiarity with cloud computing.

Experience
Essential

E1. Experience in handling large data sets in a high-performance computing environment.
E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E3. Experience of wet-lab NGS workflows
E4. Experience of bioinformatics approaches for analysing genomic, transcriptomic, and other ‘omics data.

E5. Extensive experience with handling and analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data. Skills in Python/R, and experience with gene ontology methods (e.g., GSEA, topic analysis) and basic cancer biology.

F1. Experience in supervision/mentoring less experienced staff.

F2. Experience of working within a cancer research or clinical organisation.

F3. Experience analysing outputs from spatial biology platforms (e.g., Nanostring).

Salary will be Grade 7, £38,474 - £43,155 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for 3 years.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.