Lead Genomic Data Scientist - Cancer (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds & London)

Genomics England is a global leader in genomic medicine and research, enabling genomic healthcare.

Job Description

We are looking to hire a Lead Genomic Data Scientist to join our Bioinformatics Consulting team at Genomics England. The role will lead on a range of cancer genome analysis and interpretation projects in collaboration with external researchers and industrial partners.

The role blends technical leadership and people management, focusing on enhancing customized cancer genome analysis within the research environment.

Drawing on a robust understanding of biomedical challenges and a commitment to producing high‑quality code, the Lead Genomic Data Scientist will craft solutions and products for researchers and industrial collaborators.

Everyday responsibilities include

• Proving technical and scientific leadership in cancer genome analysis.
• Being the main point of contact for consulting collaborations, communicating and planning with stakeholders.
• Actively contributing to the development, implementation and continual enhancement of best practices for genome analysis at Genomics England.
• Spearheading end‑to‑end complex genomic analysis projects, including design, stakeholder engagement, code development, problem‑solving, drawing conclusions and documentation.
• Conducting benchmarking exercises and enhancements for tools used in processing, analysis and interpretation of whole genome data (alignment, variant calling, annotation, variant prioritization, interpretation and quality control).
• Collaborating seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders to guarantee successful project delivery.
• Employing and critically evaluating statistical genetics analysis methods to derive insights from large‑scale genomic data.
• Managing and leading an inclusive, high‑performing team, ensuring the presence of the right skills to fulfil our mission.

Skills and Experience for Success

• In‑depth expertise in cancer genomics, understanding tumor drivers and interpreting genomic data through targeted pathways.
• Proficiency in Python for efficient data processing and analysis.
• Hands‑on experience developing high‑quality reusable code with strong Git and CI/CD practices.
• The capacity to evaluate statistical and/or machine learning techniques thoughtfully, applying them in practice while interpreting results and considering assumptions and limitations.
• Experience leading a cross‑functional analytical team in an academic or industry environment.
• Ability to create and tailor presentations to audiences of various backgrounds.

Qualifications

PhD degree or equivalent practical experience in an industry setting.

Additional Information

Salary: £71,000.

Successful applicant will be based at our Canary Wharf office one day per week.

To apply, please provide your CV and a cover letter expressing how your skills and experience align with the role.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 22nd July.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, additional leave for long service, and the option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (approval required).
• Family‑Friendly: Blended working arrangements, flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave benefits.
• Pension & Financial: Defined contribution pension (double‑match up to 10%, contribution may be higher), Life Assurance (3x salary), Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme and Give As You Earn scheme.
• Learning & Development: Individual learning budgets, support for training and certifications, and reimbursement for one annual professional subscription (approval required).
• Recognition & Rewards: Employee recognition programme and referral scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: Subsidised gym membership, free Headspace account, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, eye tests and flu jabs.

Equal opportunities and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice within our community and beyond. We embrace a diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of disability, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation or social background. Genomics England’s policies of non‑discrimination and equity will be applied fairly to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parenthood, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, length of service, employment status or any other relevant factor. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying at work and encourage adjustments to support inclusive recruitment processes.

Blended working model

Genomics England operates a blended working model. Most people are expected to come into the office a minimum of two times each month, with flexibility based on role and agreement with the team leader. Full‑time on‑site attendance may be required for certain roles such as lab teams and reception. Office locations include Canary Wharf, Cambridge and Leeds.

Onboarding background checks

All successful candidates are subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Candidates must disclose any previous offences at the point of application, as unspent convictions may prevent us from proceeding with the application due to the nature of our work in healthcare.