At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bioinformatics analysis and collaborate on groundbreaking research in gut health.
- Company: Join the innovative Quadram Institute, a leader in microbiome research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health through cutting-edge bioinformatics research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Bioinformatics or related field; programming skills in Python and R required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 45350 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust–funded project explores the interplay between Candida albicans and gut bacterial adaptation, with a particular focus on RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. The postholder will be based at the Quadram Institute and will work closely with Prof Alessia Buscaino and members of her research group, as well as benefiting from support from the Institute’s bioinformatics team.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets generated throughout the project, including Illumina short‑read sequencing, MinION long‑read assemblies, RNA‑seq, ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq and Hi‑C.
- Develop and maintain analytical scripts and pipelines, assemble and annotate fungal and bacterial genomes, and integrate results within their biological context.
- Collaborate with external partners and the Institute’s bioinformatics team; support other Buscaino Lab members by assisting with the analysis of their datasets.
- Contribute to scientific publications, prepare conference presentations, and present findings at national and international meetings.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics or related discipline.
- Knowledge of programming languages (Python and R) and proven experience in genome assembly and annotation.
- Understanding of biology and microbial systems.
Position details:
- Salary on appointment within £37,500 to £45,350 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
- This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
The closing date for applications will be 8th February 2026.
Research Scientist (Bioinformatics) employer: Findauniversity Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Findauniversity Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (Bioinformatics)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Quadram Institute on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the lab culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your bioinformatics skills. We recommend practising common questions related to RNA interference and genomic analysis. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your collaborative spirit! The role involves working with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (Bioinformatics)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bioinformatics Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience with genomic datasets, programming languages like Python and R, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in genome assembly and annotation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the project and the lab. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, and don’t forget to express your passion for bioinformatics and collaboration!
Showcase Your Research Experience: In your application, be sure to detail your research experience, especially any work related to RNA interference or microbial systems. This will help us see how you can contribute to our ongoing projects and scientific publications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Quadram Institute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Findauniversity Ltd.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of bioinformatics, especially in areas like RNA interference and genome assembly. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving Illumina and MinION sequencing.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Since programming in Python and R is crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate your coding skills. Bring examples of analytical scripts or pipelines you've developed, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Collaboration is key in this position, so think about past experiences where you've worked with teams or external partners. Be prepared to share how you contributed to group projects and how you handled any challenges that arose.
✨Align with the Institute's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Quadram Institute's values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration, and Excellence. During the interview, try to weave these values into your responses, showing how you embody them in your work and interactions.