DescriptionWhere can a Senior Bioinformatician directly improve the health of everyone, everywhere?
At UK Biobank, thats where.
UK Biobank is helping to pioneer new pathways in health, believing that people have the right to live longer and more fulfilling lives.
Were a team aiming to make a difference to millions of people on this planet - and an employer who cares passionately about the diverse range of professionals who have come together to drive our incredible journey.
This role is pivotal to that journey.
This is an exciting new role to lead the development and operationalisation of analytical pipelines and processes to manage large-scale multi-modal data, specifically those associated with omics (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics) and imaging (e.g., MRI, DXA, retinal images and tumour histopathology images). The post holder will engage with external research stakeholders to define and develop tooling and provide training to maximise their utility within UK Biobanks secure, online Research Analysis Platform.
The Senior Bioinformatician will lead the definition and refinement of the bioinformatics work backlog and oversee the associated planning and delivery, liaising with stakeholders in the Data Management team as appropriate. They will develop and maintain a strategy for bioinformatics at UK Biobank, defining appropriate skillsets, activities, tooling, resourcing, methods of stakeholder engagement and delivery of value to the organisation. They will line manage one or more bioinformaticians and provide support for other members of the Data Management team.
Can you do it?The answer is yes, if you have a keen interest in developing your career within Data Management. The key responsibilities are;

Lead the development of the bioinformatics capability at UK Biobank, defining and delivering the ongoing evolution of skillsets, tooling, quality and other standards, and producing proposals for larger-scale technical, policy or organisational changes where appropriate
Work with engineering and business stakeholders to (re)develop, improve and integrate data pipelines and procedures for data transformation, quality control and delivery for large-scale -omic or imaging datasets
Develop tools and workflows in a cloud environment to improve automation and process efficiencies and reduce manual repetitive tasks
Ensure documentation and maintenance of records of all changes to the UK Biobank resource and associated processes are recorded in a well-structured manner
Contribute to the data management teams policies and procedures, leading this work when appropriate
Engage with stakeholders within the Data Management team and without, to define and refine the bioinformatics work backlog, ensuring work is clear, targeted, actionable, adheres to quality standards, and delivers value
Engage with the research community. Produce and deliver training and presentations, develop collaborations and gather feedback to influence internal decision-making
Line-manage one or more bioinformaticians, providing coaching, training and support to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to data management activities
Carry out other appropriate tasks as required

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with expected minimum 2 days per week in the office (based in Cheadle, Stockport, until 2026 when we move to Manchester Science Park). With regular travel to other sites as and when it is needed.
Is this 'you'?Reporting to the Lead Data Analyst, youll have;
Essential Criteria;

A PhD in Bioinformatics or related field, or equivalent experience such as 4+ years in a professional bioinformatics role
Significant experience in analysis of large-scale sequencing data, including complex multistage pipeline development, reporting, and troubleshooting
Excellent proficiency in programming, e.g. Python/C++/R, command line applications and experience working on a cloud or cluster computing system
Excellent problem solving and analytical skills, and ability to prioritise workload and to work under pressure
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to engage with technical and non-technical audiences
Highly motivated with excellent attention to detail, able to lead and motivate members of a multi-disciplinary team
Experience leading the definition and estimation of bioinformatics work, creating delivery plans and overseeing implementation
Interpersonal skills necessary for line and project management, including the ability to coach and listen, whilst providing clear expectations
Proficiency with containerisation (e.g. Docker), workflow management systems (e.g. Nextflow, SnakeMake, CWL, WDL), and working with large or complex information resources, such as health records or phenotypic data

Desirable Criteria;

Proficiency in using relational databases and writing SQL queries
Previous experience working with imaging data formats, such as DICOM or NIFTI
Experience of machine learning (ML) approaches for data analysis
Experience in managing and curating large and complex information resources extraction, conversion, integration and data transfer
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team (e.g. a team involving clinicians, scientists, etc.) and/or in wider collaborative groups
Familiarity with working in an agile methodology, and understanding of principles of roles and responsibilities within an agile team
Able to support training or development of team members in using and understanding complex bioinformatic or computational processes

Our passion for diversity and equity means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
What's on offerIf that is You, find out more about an exceptional role that offers an outstanding rewards package.

26 days' annual leave (which increases with length of service) plus Bank Holidays
Holiday buy scheme (buy up to 1 week of additional leave per year)
A paid day off for your birthday (in addition to annual leave)
Flexible (hybrid) working, including modern offices in Stockport (relocating to new office in Manchester Science Park in 2026)
USS Pension Scheme which is a hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution scheme
Enhanced family leave (available from day 1 of employment)
Cycle to work scheme
Professional subscriptions reimbursement (where applicable)
Free gym on site
On site Canteen
Subsidised lunches (£5.50 contribution per day when working on site) and refreshments
Free car parking
Employee discounts portal
20% Discount at EE
Employee Assistance Programme
Eye-care scheme
Annual flu vaccination
Life Assurance cover

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The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.

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UK Biobank Limited jobs

Senior Bioinformatician

Senior Bioinformatician