Bioinformatician/Computational Biologist

Bioinformatician/Computational Biologist

Reports to: Dominique Bonnet, Principal Group Leader

Contract: This is a full time, fixed term position, for 5 years, on Crick terms and conditions of employment. This position is cover by an ERC synergy grant for the 5 years.

We seek a talented and motivated Bioinformatician to join our group. This position is cover by an ERC synergy grant for 5 years but there might be a possibility to extend the contract later.

This position is available in Dr Dominique Bonnet’s laboratory. The lab works on human normal and leukaemic stem cells and the role of the microenvironment: https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/a-z-researchers/researchers-a-c/dominique-bonnet/

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

The group is interested in studying normal human Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) and Leukaemic Stem Cells (LSCs). At present we are investigating the relationship between HSCs and their microenvironment and how mutations in the HSC pools observed naturally during ageing, called clonal haematopoieisis can in some cases evolved into Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) transformation. For this we are using NSG, RNA seq, Single cell analysis as well as Chip-Seq/ATAC-seq, proteomics and are thus looking at integrating these multi-omics data to generate new hypotheses that can be functionally tested using our in vivo patient derived xenotransplantation models.

We are looking for a talented and motivated Bioinformatician to join our group. You will be leading a programme of work related to analysing large biological datasets to identify and solve complex biological problems. You will join the HSC team lead by Prof D Bonnet at the Francis Crick Institute but will also be involved in the overall ERC synergy project involving two other groups, lead by Prof Ilaria Malanchi and Prof Francesca Cicarelli.

Working with scientists from the group, you will analyse genomic, RNA-seq, single cell seq and ATAC-seq, methylome and Chip-Seq data. Activities will include quality control, mapping of NGS data for variant detection, transcription and epigenetic profiling (scRNAseq, AtacSeq or multiome); integration of genomic datasets with public and commercial biomedical data sources for annotation and interpretation; development, maintenance and optimisation of analysis pipelines and procedures. The ability to make strategic contributions to experimental design and assist scientists with data interpretation, data mining for interesting patterns and signatures are key requirements of the post.

The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of the application of multiomic technologies and bioinformatics in the context of genomics and transcriptomics and practical experience with the processing, analysis and integration of multi-omic data. Collaboration is key to the Crick and therefore the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment is essential.

If you have a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology and/or biostatistics, be looking for a collaborative and dynamic environment, and have a proven track record of productivity, we would love to hear from you !

See here for more details of research projects currently being undertaken in HSCL lab.

Please see the full job description here.

What you will be doing

As a Bioinformatician/Computational Biologist at the Crick, some of your key responsibilities will be:

• Data Analysis:

Analysing large biological datasets like DNA sequences, transcriptomics (bulk, scRNAseq) epigenetic profiling (methylome, Atac-Seq, Chip-seq) and proteomics, using computational methods.

Ensuring data quality and integrity throughout the analysis process.

Staying updated with the latest advancements in bioinformatics.

• Algorithm Development:

Designing and implementing algorithms to process, analyse, and interpret biological data.

• Database Management:

Developing and maintaining databases for storing and managing biological information.

• Tool Development:

Creating and maintaining bioinformatics tools and software for data analysis and visualisation.

• Collaboration:

Working with biologists, researchers, and other scientists to design experiments, interpret data, and translate findings into biological insights.

• Communication:

Presenting research findings through reports, publications, and presentations.

About you

You will have:

• Degree in Bioinformatics or Computer Science with a scientific background
• Strong programming skills: Proficiency in languages like Python, R, Java, C/C++ or Perl
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Experience of statistical methods apply to analysing biological data
• Experience of handling Next Generation sequencing, ScRNAseq and ATACseq data
• Experience working, developing and compiling software tools in a UNIX/LINUX environment.
• Web development using Perl, Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Experience with databases and data management techniques

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [email protected]

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well-being:
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance:
• Back-up care for dependents.
• Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Perks:
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.