Bioinformatician
Department of Paediatrics, Sanders Research Group, Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine IDRM, Old Road Campus, Oxford
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Sanders Group and the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) in Therapeutic Genomics. The programme aims to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, through genomic research and the development of genome-targeted therapies, such as CRISPR-based editing and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). This three-year position aims to revolutionise how therapies are identified, developed, and brought to the clinic for rare genetic disorders.
The Senior Bioinformatician, based within the Department of Paediatrics, will provide critical technical and analytical support for a range of different projects across the Sanders Group and MRC CoRE. The postholder will be responsible for the analysis, management, and interpretation of large-scale genomic datasets, ensuring the development and maintenance of robust, reproducible bioinformatics pipelines. Working across both the Sanders Group and the MRC CoRE, you will collaborate with researchers to define analytical strategies, provide expert statistical input, and identify new projects that contribute to the overall goals of the research programme.
The role is based within the Department of Paediatrics, part of the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division, and is located at the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM). The postholder will work closely with Professor Stephan Sanders and a multidisciplinary team including data managers, developers, and international colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). You will be part of a team of outstanding international experts and industry partners committed to priming the clinical landscape for the next generation of genetic medicines.
This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract for an initial period of two years.
About the department
The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.
We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.
Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.
About you
You will be educated to degree level in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent relevant experience. You will have substantial experience analysing and interpreting large-scale genomic datasets, including high-throughput sequencing data, using established bioinformatics tools and workflows. You will demonstrate expertise in developing and maintaining reproducible bioinformatics pipelines, with proficiency in scripting languages such as Python and/or R, workflow management systems (e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow or Cromwell), and collaborative software development practices using version control. Experience working with large genomic datasets in cloud or high-performance computing environments, together with a strong understanding of data quality, integrity, and ethical handling of human genomic data, is essential. You will have excellent analytical, problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary research teams, contribute to scientific publications and grant applications, and deliver high-quality outputs to demanding deadlines.
Application Process
You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed if you do not include both documents.
The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.
To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Corinne Betts, the Programme Manager for Prof. Sanders, using the contact details below.
Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 13th November will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.
