Principal Bioinformatics Scientist in Princes Risborough

We are looking for a scientifically curious, data-driven, and inventive Principal Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Data Science and Analytics department, advancing the discovery and development of therapies through the analysis and interpretation of complex biological data. The role is based in Slough, UK.

As Principal Bioinformatics Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in advancing therapeutic programs across all stages of research and clinical development. By integrating, analysing, and interpreting large-scale molecular and patient-level datasets, you will generate insights that support target identification, biomarker discovery, indication selection, patient stratification, and translational research efforts. You will combine deep biological expertise with advanced computational approaches to uncover disease mechanisms and accelerate decision-making across UCB’s portfolio.

You will collaborate with scientists across biology, translational medicine, pharmacology, and data sciences, translating complex biomedical datasets into mechanistic insights that support therapeutic project progression.

What You’ll Do

• Shape target hypotheses, indication prioritization, asset differentiation, and patient stratification using multi-omics data.
• Work fluently across data types, from bulk and single-cell transcriptomics to genetics and proteomics, drawing biological meaning from each.
• Develop or adapt state-of-the-art computational methods such as co-expression, multi-omics integration, and cellular crosstalk analyses to expose causality and sharpen our understanding of disease biology.
• Work with combinations of diverse data types, including gene expression, genetic, VDJ repertoire, spatial, and proteomic datasets, to generate biological insights.
• Apply statistical, machine learning, and systems biology approaches to answer key scientific questions.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to scientific and non-scientific audiences, enabling impactful decision-making.
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of bioinformatics approaches and workflows, data integration strategies, and analytical best practices.

Interested? For this role we’re looking for:

• PhD or equivalent in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computational Genetics, Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Substantial industry or academic experience in a bioinformatics role ideally within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.
• Deep expertise in both the analysis and the biological interpretation of omics data, including bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.
• Experience with other omics modalities and familiarity with immunology are a real plus.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and R, with hands-on experience developing reproducible bioinformatics pipelines using Nextflow/Snakemake, containerisation with Docker, version control via Git/Azure DevOps, and deployment on cloud-based (e.g. AWS/DNAnexus) and HPC environments.
• Genuine curiosity about what advances in generative and agentic AI can unlock for the field.
• Scientific rigor and superior communication and collaboration skills.

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science. At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential. At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com.