At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative computational methods for genomics and tackle real-world health challenges.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge interdisciplinary team in Oxford focused on AI and advanced biology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking a hands-on role with significant technical ownership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health using your skills in computational biology and AI.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong programming skills, especially in Python.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
I’m currently supporting a major new interdisciplinary biology and technology initiative in Oxford focused on applying computational biology, AI, genomics, and advanced software engineering to real-world diagnostic and public health challenges. This is a genuinely high-impact opportunity for computational biologists who enjoy solving difficult scientific problems and want to work in an environment where advanced biology, AI, software engineering, and translational science all come together under one roof. Importantly, this is not a traditional “pipeline support” bioinformatics role. The team is looking for scientists who can think critically about biological questions, develop novel computational methods, and contribute directly to the development of next-generation technologies and diagnostics.
The work includes:
- Developing computational approaches for microbial and metagenomic sequencing data
- Designing algorithms for genome assembly, binning, annotation, and functional characterisation
- Applying AI/ML and statistical modelling techniques to large-scale biological datasets
- Building scalable, reproducible workflows alongside software and engineering teams
- Collaborating closely with computational scientists, software engineers, and experimental biology teams
The organisation itself is focused on tackling major global challenges across:
- Human health
- AI and advanced computing
- Climate and sustainability
- Food security
Within the Generative Biology Institute, the focus is on applying advanced computational genomics, machine learning, and scalable infrastructure to accelerate biological discovery and diagnostic development. The role will involve:
- Developing computational methods for analysing microbial and metagenomic sequencing datasets
- Designing algorithms for genome assembly, binning, annotation, and functional characterisation
- Applying AI/ML and statistical modelling approaches to complex biological data
- Building scalable and reproducible workflows alongside software and engineering teams
- Working closely with wet-lab scientists and interdisciplinary research groups
- Contributing to technically challenging projects with real translational impact
The environment is highly collaborative, technically strong, and heavily research-driven, but with a very applied mindset focused on real-world implementation rather than purely academic output.
Backgrounds of interest include:
- Computational Biology
- Computational Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Machine Learning applied to biological data
- Microbial genomics / metagenomics
- NGS method development
- AI-driven biology
- Statistical genomics
Key requirements:
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Genomics, or related field
- Strong programming skills (Python essential, C/C++/Rust beneficial)
- Experience working with sequencing or genomic datasets
- Strong grounding in algorithms, statistical modelling, or ML approaches
- Scientific curiosity and strong problem-solving ability
The role could suit:
- strong postdoctoral researchers looking for a more applied environment
- industry computational biologists wanting greater technical ownership
- method-development focused scientists who enjoy building new approaches rather than purely running existing workflows
Sponsorship and relocation support can be considered.
(Senior) Computational Biologist / Computational Genomics Scientist in Oxford employer: BioTalent
Join a pioneering initiative in Oxford that merges computational biology, AI, and genomics to tackle pressing public health challenges. As a Senior Computational Biologist, you'll thrive in a collaborative and research-driven environment that prioritises real-world impact over traditional academic outputs, offering you the chance to develop innovative computational methods and work alongside leading experts in the field. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to addressing global issues such as human health and sustainability, this role provides a unique opportunity for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Computational Biologist / Computational Genomics Scientist in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field through LinkedIn or local meetups. Engaging with others can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving AI, genomics, or computational biology. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex biological questions or developed novel computational methods in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about making a real impact in the field of computational biology and genomics.
We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Computational Biologist / Computational Genomics Scientist in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight your computational biology and genomics expertise, and don’t forget to mention any AI or machine learning projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our interdisciplinary team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm show!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex scientific problems in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and develop novel computational methods, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BioTalent
✨Know Your Algorithms
Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms, especially those related to genome assembly and annotation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects or how you would approach a new problem using them.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Since strong programming skills are essential, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in Python. You might be asked to solve a coding challenge or explain your previous code, so have examples ready that highlight your best work.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with wet-lab scientists or software engineers to achieve project goals.
✨Demonstrate Scientific Curiosity
The team values scientific curiosity and problem-solving ability. Prepare to talk about a challenging biological question you've tackled and the innovative computational methods you developed to address it. This will show your passion for the field and your critical thinking skills.
