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- Tasks: Lead a team to unlock disease biology and accelerate drug discovery using bioinformatics.
- Company: Join a pioneering pharmaceutical company focused on innovative R&D.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities for collaboration with top scientists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Bioinformatics or related field with 10+ years of industry experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on multi-omics analysis and cutting-edge methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Translational Bioinformatics to join a Data Science & Analytics Leadership Team. This is a senior role for a scientifically driven leader who is passionate about using data to unlock disease biology and accelerate drug discovery.
About the Role
In this role, you will lead a high-performing team of bioinformatics scientists, generating actionable insight from multi-omic profiling of patient samples and in vitro / in vivo translational models, in close partnership with biology-focused research teams. You will play a key role in shaping bioinformatics strategy, advancing state-of-the-art methodologies, and contributing to the wider R&D digital and data science vision. Your work will directly support research programmes in immunology and inflammatory disease, spanning areas such as dermatology, senescence, and immune modulation. A critical element of the role is the deep integration of bioinformatics within drug discovery and platform teams, working alongside multidisciplinary scientists to design, execute, and interpret omics studies that drive target discovery, validation, and translational decision-making.
Who You’ll Work With
- Lead and mentor a team of bioinformatics scientists
- Partner closely with biology focus areas, platform leads, and senior research leadership
- Collaborate with internal data science and digital leaders across R&D
- Initiate and contribute to external collaborations with academic, commercial, and industry partners to expand access to human data and cutting-edge methods
What You’ll Do
- Lead and develop a bioinformatics function tightly integrated with biology and translational research
- Define bioinformatics strategy and contribute to broader data science and digital R&D strategy
- Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and technical direction to the team
- Deliver mechanistic insight from patient-derived molecular profiling and disease models
- Drive innovation in bioinformatics methods, data visualisation, and predictive/generative modelling
- Provide authoritative scientific input into drug discovery projects and governance forums
- Embed bioinformatics capability within therapeutic project teams to influence decision-making and translational packages
What We’re Looking For
- PhD (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Immunology, or a related discipline
- 10+ years’ industry experience, ideally within pharmaceutical or biotech R&D
- Proven experience leading and mentoring teams of 5–10 scientists
- Strong track record of applying bioinformatics to drug discovery and disease biology, with immunology expertise essential
- Deep expertise in multi-omics analysis, with strong preference for:
- Single-cell RNA-seq
- Spatial transcriptomics
- Genetic data integration to identify causal biology
Head of Translational Bioinformatics in Reading employer: BioTalent
Contact Detail:
BioTalent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Translational Bioinformatics in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the bioinformatics and data science fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects, especially those related to drug discovery and multi-omics analysis. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in bioinformatics and drug discovery. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in immunology and translational research. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and showcasing your passion for using data to unlock disease biology.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Translational Bioinformatics in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant bioinformatics projects you've worked on, especially those related to drug discovery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about bioinformatics and how your background aligns with our mission. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation in your previous roles, particularly in multi-omics analysis.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to mention your mentoring and leadership experiences. We want to see how you've developed others and fostered collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track its progress.
How to prepare for a job interview at BioTalent
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest bioinformatics methodologies and tools. Brush up on multi-omics analysis, especially single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with HPC and cloud platforms will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Translational Bioinformatics, you'll need to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past, focusing on your approach to fostering collaboration and innovation. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive results through effective leadership.
✨Connect the Dots Between Data and Drug Discovery
Be ready to discuss how your work has directly impacted drug discovery and disease biology. Think about specific projects where your bioinformatics insights led to significant breakthroughs. This will show your potential employer that you understand the bigger picture and can contribute meaningfully to their R&D goals.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Conversations
Since this role involves working closely with biology-focused research teams and external partners, practice articulating how you would approach collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully partnered with multidisciplinary scientists in the past and how you plan to integrate bioinformatics within therapeutic project teams.
