Bioinformatics Scientist in Research and Software Development
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Job Type: Full-Time.
Starting Salary: £56652 - £58114 per annum plus benefits
To find out more about the job please click the ‘apply for job’ button to be taken to Imperial job site
About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Bioinformatician with experience in software development to join our dynamic team. This position is funded as part of the MRC Human Functional Genomics cluster which includes Imperial College, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI).
Our collaborative human functional genomics cluster aims to advance the understanding of the genetic basis of rare diseases. The project focuses on genetic variants, particularly those impacting post-translational modification (PTM) sites on proteins, to bridge the knowledge gap between genomic associations and disease mechanisms. Our vision is to mechanistically define the functional impact of PTM variants within the rare disease cohort of Genomics England's genome resource, leading to personalized interventions and optimized clinical outcomes.
The successful candidate will undertake research, perform model conceptualisation, programming, analysis, and validation work to develop a novel genetic variant prediction algorithm and disseminate its use to the community via web-site development. This new algorithm will further expand our Missense3D Portal (http://www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk/~missense3d) that predicts the damaging effect of genetic variants by providing a 3D protein structure-based analysis.
Missense3D is a popular resource for the genetic community with over 8,000 users in 2023 and >400 citations since its launch in 2019.
The appointee will be a member of the team working in the Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics in the Imperial College South Kensington campus. The Centre also runs a popular MRes course in Bioinformatics and Theoretical System Biology attended by about 20 students every year. You will have the opportunity to help in supervising master's and undergraduate projects in bioinformatics related to your research.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contemporary bioinformatics and professional-level experience in coding in a high-level programming language, ideally Python. Furthermore, knowledge and experience of working with 3D protein structure is required.
What you would be doing
You will develop, benchmark and support the novel variant prediction resource working on both the algorithmic back end and the dynamic web site front end. In addition, you will help in disseminating and supporting the use of this resource by contributing to the writing, editing, and submission of scientific publications in high-impact journals and by presenting findings at scientific conferences and meetings. You must also be able to relate well with others and to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
What we are looking for
- You must have: a Masters Bioinformatics or a closely-related discipline or equivalent experience
- You must have a broad knowledge of contemporary Bioinformatics, including 3D protein structure, obtained via software development and/or a postgraduate degree in Bioinformatics or a very closely related discipline
- You must have experience of coding to a professional level in a high-level language and in particular substantive experience of coding in Python
- You must have experience of the Linux operating system
- You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- In addition, it is desirable that you have (i) previously developed a bioinformatics resource, (ii) have had experience of working on computational studies on protein 3D structure, (iii) have developed algorithms using machine learning and (iv) experience of coding in the development of a dynamic web site using technologies such as HTML, Django, Flask, CSS.
What we can offer you
- Successful candidates will be part of a talented multidisciplinary team of researchers based at Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), fostering an environment of collaboration and scientific excellence.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
- Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
- Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
The post is 3 years full-time, fixed term. The working week is not normally less than 35 hours per week.
The appointee will be able to join the USS pension scheme into which Imperial College London will contribute.
Candidates will need to complete an online application and include their CV, cover letter describing their research experience and interests.
Should you require any further details on this role please contact Dr Alessia David:
