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- Tasks: Join us in developing solutions for cancer genomics and improve human health.
- Company: Be part of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a leader in cancer research.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cancer research while advancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or Bioinformatics; experience in programming is essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with a diverse team and grow in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 31400 - 37200 £ per year.
Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
About the Role
We are seeking to recruit a passionate Data Engineer to help us develop the solutions for the world’s key cancer genomics resource, in COSMIC (Catalogue of Somatic Mutations of Cancer). We invite individuals with backgrounds in computer science or bioinformatics to join us in this exciting opportunity to contribute to cancer genomics. You will be directly involved with exciting projects, implement tools and processes in the cloud environment, to support the world’s key cancer genomics resource, COSMIC. This role is needed to enable the rapid growth and evolution of COSMIC’s large-scale biological datasets and products, helping to advance cancer research globally and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.
Data is currently gathered from a variety of sources, from manual curation to structured repositories, and standardised into the COSMIC database before release via our analytic website. This genetic and genomic data is increasing in quantity and scope, its value is enhanced by analytic highlights, and this position will improve the handling, annotation, meaningful presentation and user access of this information.
More specifically in this role, we provide excellent opportunities to apply best practices in software development, writing clean code, and taking a test-driven development approach.
About You
You will support the development of new automated pipelines and workflows for data curation and release of COSMIC products. Participate in developing solutions for the storage and production pipeline of vast genomic data in the cloud environment. While a background in biology or genomics is beneficial, it is not essential. We value candidates who are eager to learn and engage with a wide range of cancer genomics datasets. The role involves maintaining and supporting automated pipelines and workflows on cloud platforms. You must be a good communicator and able to understand the goals and aims of the collaborative COSMIC team and its customers of researchers, scientists and clinicians, globally.
You will have experience in developing software and analytical tools across large datasets, ensuring throughput and quality. You will contribute in bringing new perspectives on options for storage, pipelining and visualisation. You will possess a degree in Computer Science or Bioinformatics, and demonstrate expertise in a modern programming language such as Python and (Postgres/Oracle) SQL, within a Unix/Linux environment. This position would be well-suited for someone with experience in software development. You will join a multidisciplinary, committed and supportive team with the opportunity to work in conjunction with software developers, bioinformaticians, curators and scientists as well as colleagues and collaborators both in Sanger and externally.
Essential Technical Skills
- Degree or equivalent experience in Software development/Computer Science or Bioinformatics
- Proven experience in at least one modern programming language, preferably Python or PERL
- Proven experience in one or more scripting languages preferably Bash or Shell
- Expertise across large and complex relational databases, proficient in SQL
- An understanding of FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) data
- Experience in Data handling skills
- Experience or willingness to learn how to create/maintain data processing pipelines
- Experience with modern coding practices: Git, Agile
- Knowledge or experience in data warehousing architecture and concepts (ETL and ELT) and data modelling
- Experience or willingness to learn development best practices in DevOps, Containers, CI/CD, and TDD
Competencies And Behaviours
- A demonstrable, enthusiastic, can-do, learn, proactive attitude
- Enthusiasm, commitment and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritise activities and manage the own workload independently
- Ability to explain technical issues effectively and understandably to non-technical users
- Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to understand scientific and technical challenges
- Shows curiosity and a willingness to learn new technologies, tools, and ways of working
- Adjusts to changing requirements, priorities, or technical approaches
- Welcomes feedback from peers and seniors
- Collaborates effectively with team members and contributes to shared goals
About Us
COSMIC is the key information source in global human cancer research and is growing rapidly in content, scope, and value. We exist to speed up the field of precision oncology so that every cancer journey can be tailored, accurate, and precise. We do this by streamlining and simplifying genomics data analysis for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment research.
Application Process
Please Apply By Submitting Your CV And a Supporting Cover Letter. Your Cover Letter Should Clearly Cover The Following Three Areas:
- Your background and previous related experience
- Your relevant skills and how they align with the role
- Your motivation for applying for this position
Applications without a cover letter addressing all three points will not be considered.
Salary per annum: £37,470 - £43,500
Role Profile Informatician/ Data Scientist job family: Grade 3
Contract Type: Permanent
Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 9th Feb, Interviews w/c 16th February or w/c 2nd March
Closing date: 8th February 2026
Hybrid Working
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger: We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams.
Equality, Diversity And Inclusion
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute. Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.
Data Engineer employer: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Contact Detail:
Wellcome Sanger Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to data engineering or genomics. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to data engineering. Think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge during the chat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission to improve human health through data.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Data Engineer. Highlight your background in computer science or bioinformatics and how it aligns with our mission at COSMIC. We want to see your passion for cancer genomics shine through!
Show Off Your Skills: In your application, clearly outline your relevant skills, especially in programming languages like Python and SQL. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their experience with large datasets and modern coding practices, so don’t hold back!
Express Your Motivation: Let us know why you’re excited about this position! Share what drives you to contribute to cancer research and how you see yourself making an impact at COSMIC. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm in applications.
Follow the Application Process: Remember to submit both your CV and a cover letter that addresses all three required areas. Applications without a cover letter won’t be considered, so make sure you follow our guidelines closely. Apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wellcome Sanger Institute
✨Know Your Data
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of cancer genomics and the COSMIC database. Familiarise yourself with the types of data they handle and the significance of their work. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages like Python and SQL. Bring examples of past projects where you've implemented clean code or developed automated pipelines. If possible, practice coding challenges related to data handling to demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with non-technical users, as this will highlight your ability to bridge the gap between tech and science.
✨Embrace a Learning Mindset
Express your enthusiasm for learning new technologies and methodologies. Share instances where you've adapted to new tools or processes in your previous roles. This will resonate well with the team’s culture of curiosity and continuous improvement.
