Research Scientist (Bioinformatics)

Funding End Date 31 Dec 2030 Hours per week 37 Project Title RNAi in Candida albicans: adaptation, commensalism and pathogenesis Months Duration 24

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking an enthusiastic Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join the Buscaino Lab at the Quadram Institute. This Wellcome Trust‑funded project investigates the interplay between Candida albicans and gut bacterial adaptation, with a particular focus on RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. The post holder will be based at the Quadram Institute, working within the Buscaino Lab, and will benefit from interaction with the bioinformatics support group. The post holder will lead the analysis of genomic and transcriptomic datasets generated during the project, including short‑read Illumina sequencing, long‑read MinION assemblies, RNA‑seq data, and epigenomic datasets (ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, Hi‑C). Strong coding skills and experience in genome assembly and annotation are essential. The successful candidate will work closely with two key collaborators: Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University), contributing to a multidisciplinary effort to understand host–microbe interactions at the genomic level. The post holder will also assist other members of the team in analysing their datasets.

Key Relationships

• Internal: The position will report to Prof Alessia Buscaino, who leads the project at the Quadram Institute. The postholder will work closely with other researchers in the Buscaino Lab and benefit from interaction with the bioinformatics support group. They will contribute to coordinating research activities, assist team members with data analysis, and help with the preparation of scientific papers and funding proposals.
• External: The postholder will collaborate with Prof Kevin Foster (University of Oxford) and Prof Ana Traven (Monash University), as well as other academic partners in the UK and overseas. They will present findings at national and international conferences and engage in public outreach and science communication to share the lab’s research with broader audiences.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Perform bioinformatics analyses of Illumina short‑read and MinION long‑read sequencing data, as well as epigenomic datasets (ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, Hi‑C).
• Assemble and annotate fungal and bacterial genomes; analyse RNA‑seq datasets.
• Develop and maintain scripts and pipelines for data processing.
• Assist other members of the team in analysing their datasets.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Prof Foster and Prof Traven.
• Engage in data interpretation and integration with biological context.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Education & Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics or related discipline.

Key Skills & Experience

• Understanding of biology and microbial systems.
• Genomic bioinformatics expertise.
• Programming languages including Python and R.
• Experience in RNA‑seq data analysis.
• Experience in genome assembly and annotation.
• Experience working on high‑performance computing clusters.
• Proven expertise in analysis of Illumina short‑read and/or MinION long‑read sequencing data.
• Good publication record (or close to publications) for junior scientists.
• Experience with epigenomic data analysis (ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, Hi‑C).
• Desirable: Experience supervising junior lab members.
• Desirable: Experience with fungal or microbiome datasets.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Independent scientist who can develop their own biological questions and provide support for other bioinformatics projects.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.

Additional Requirements

• Attention to detail.
• Promotes equality and values diversity.
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required.
• Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars.
• Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.
• Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.

Who We Are

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food‑related disease and human health. We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation. Our group investigates how fungal biology connects to gut health and sustainable food systems. We study fungi as key organisms that interact with both the microbiome and the food we eat, influencing human health and nutrition. Our work has two main strands: 1. Fungi and the gut microbiome. 2. Fungi and future foods.

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. We provide 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.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £37,500 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full‑time post for a contract of 24 months. The closing date for applications will be 8 February 2026.