The Opportunity:
We are seeking a talented Bioinformatician or genomics data scientist to contribute to the development of methods and software and to deliver high-quality analysis and annotation for genomes in the Moore Foundation Aquatic Symbiosis project. Sequencing technologies are constantly evolving in terms of the type and volume of the sequence data they produce. The recent progress in long-read sequencing technologies means that we are now able to efficiently deliver high quality genome assemblies for species that did not previously have such a resource. We will produce thousands of genome assemblies for symbiotic organisms, and analyse these to understand their biology. There are opportunities and challenges in the robust, integrated annotation and analysis of these assemblies, and particularly in the co-analysis of symbiotic partners. One of the most challenging aspects of this role will be to produce high-quality scientific results on a large scale while adapting to rapid developments in sequencing technology and software.
About the Programme:
The Tree of Life Programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute is dedicated to the generation and analysis of high quality genome sequences from across eukaryotic biodiversity. The Tree of Life team is initiating a new, three-year project on the Genomics of Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. We will use advanced genomics toolkits to describe and decipher the biology of thousands of species that live in intimate association. The project will collaborate internationally to deliver exciting research outcomes and further understanding of the importance of symbiosis in generating diversity and maintaining function in aquatic ecosystems. To deliver this new project we are recruiting a team of molecular biologists, computing scientists and project management support.
About you:
This role would suit somebody with some previous experience with genome bioinformatics or other large scale scientific data analysis, or a newly qualified graduate student with data science skills interested in DNA sequence data. While desirable, previous experience with DNA sequencing data is not strictly necessary for the position. We have a strong publication record and culture of producing open data resources and open source software development. This role requires an investigative and solution-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills to work effectively within large national and international consortia.
For further information or questions about this post please contact Mark Blaxter (mb35@sanger.ac.uk
Essential Skills:
- Degree in a scientific discipline related to bioinformatics, or equivalent experience
- Experience of computational scientific data analysis, particularly in the area of genome annotation and analysis
- Expert knowledge of the unix computing environment
- Proficiency in one or more scripting languages, preferably Python and Perl
- Excellent critical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and the ability to work to meet timelines
- Ability to quickly adapt to new problems and ideas
- A high level of communication skills to be able to elicit complex requirements from, and convey complex information to, groups with different levels of technical knowledge
- Experience of managing and motivating junior staff
Ideal Skills:
- Knowledge of new sequencing data and technologies
- Experience in genome annotation and analysis
- Experience with the git version control system
- Experience with running software on a compute farm, cluster, or cloud environment
- Previous experience with managing large volumes of data
- Experience with a compiled programming language such as C or C++
- Experience with workflow markup languages
- Experience with database management in MySQL or similar
- Web development experience
Other information
Closing Date: 19th January 2020
This position is a 3 year fixed term contract.
About Us:
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. We undertake large-scale research that forms the foundations of knowledge in biology and medicine. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth. Find out more at www.sanger.ac.uk or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube and on our Blog.
Our campus:
Set across 130 acres, just outside of Cambridge, The Sanger Institute is located on the stunning Wellcome Genome Campus. Home to some of the world's foremost institutes and organisations in genomics and computational biology, committed to delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and creativity to solve some of humanity's greatest challenges.
Our benefits:
There’s an attractive benefits package on offer at the Genome Wellcome Campus. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.
As well as the usual benefits you would expect, we go much further:
- 25 days annual leave (extra 1 day to a maximum of 30 days for every year you work)
- Auto-enrolment into a generous Group Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, with enhanced company contribution (for more information, see our Pensions page)
- Up to 2 days annual paid volunteering leave
- Up to 10 days paid Emergency Carers Leave per year
- Family friendly environment including options for flexible and part-time working, an on-site Workplace Nursery salary Sacrifice Schemes for pre-school children and Summer holiday club
- Life Assurance Cover and a Group Income Protection Scheme (if on a contract of 12 months or more)
- Enhanced maternity leave and parental leave
- Access to substantial number of courses and training events onsite
- Private Healthcare Scheme (after 6 months service)
- Eyecare and Dental payment plans
- Concessions and discounts from our corporate perks site
Being part of the Genome Wellcome Campus you will be part of the beautiful working environment with an impressive range of benefits, services and facilities also including:
- Free bus service to and from Campus, covering various routes around Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages
- A car-share initiative
- Free parking
- A number of on-site venues where you can meet, eat and socialise with colleagues
- A thriving Sports and Social Club which provides members with subsidised access to a gym, tennis courts, sports hall, fitness classes and a vibrant social calendar of events.
We hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Please apply on our website: https://jobs.sanger.ac.uk/vacancy/senior-bioinformatician-annotation-408296.html
