Lead Bioinformatician - Genomics

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), host of the North-West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NWGLH), is seeking an experienced Lead Bioinformatician to provide strategic and operational leadership across the North-West Genomic Medicine Service (NW GMS).

This senior role will lead the design, development and delivery of bioinformatics pipelines and infrastructure to support genomic diagnostics across rare disease and cancer pathways. The post holder will ensure high-quality, timely, and compliant genomic analysis and contribute to regional and national bioinformatics strategy.

Job description

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.

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Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience of developing, advising and implementing bioinformatics solutions
• Experience at handling and interpreting genomic data including WGS
• Reviewing and evaluating the latest Bioinformatics tools and techniques
• Experience of software development in an object-oriented language
• Experience of leading, managing and developing teams
• Experience managing complex bioinformatics integration projects
• Experience in leading and managing change to improve service delivery
• Management of data storage
• Knowledge of NGS approaches, and statistical methods
• Thorough knowledge of bioinformatic tools for analysis and interpretation of genomic data
• Good knowledge of UNIX
• Programming or scripting language knowledge and experience

Good knowledge of general managerial procedures

Knowledge of data protection requirements

Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft applications

Familiar with issues re. storage, backup, transmission, and sharing of large scale data

Knowledge of ISO15189:2012 standards applied to bioinformatics

Knowledge of human genetics

Desirable

• Knowledge of requirements for Clinical Laboratory Accreditation (Bioinformatics)
• Analysis of microarray (CNV) data

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• High level of practical ability NGS analysis techniques
• Able to initiate and manage R&D activities
• Able to organise and manage complex activities
• Able to provide leadership and training to scientific, technical and clinical teams
• Able to maintain intense concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions
• Able to recognise patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to prepare and present highly complex information for education and training
• Able to advise at Trust Board level on relevant areas of expertise
• Able to develop new policies and protocols
• Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations
• Self-confidence
• Compliance with MFT standards of behavior at all times
• Track record of contribution to peer reviewed publications

Training & Education

Essential

• Evidence of commitment to Continued Professional Development
• PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification in bioinformatics OR PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a human genomics-based discipline with a significant bioinformatics component
• Registered with the HCPC as Clinical Scientist / Clinical Bioinformatician

About the employer

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester.As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development.Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond.