Job summary
The work of the Pathogen Genomics Unit is world-class and offers a varied, challenging and rewarding work environment. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of Microbiology in Wales and internationally. There are prospects for personal and career development with access to further education and training.
Applications are invited from enthusiastic and self-motivated, graduates in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or a related discipline.
The role will initially be based at Capital Quarter 2 but will be moving to a new site at Coryton (Cardiff Edge) in 2023
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
The Bioinformatics team in the Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU) is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. It supports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomic surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, and provides support for Health Protection Teams in outbreak investigation and control.
Due to an expansion we are seeking enthusiastic persons to join our team within PenGU. The roles will include the provision of bioinformatics support to the Pathogen Genomics Programme for Public Health Wales and directly contributing to the research activities of the Unit. The roles will assist in the development of the infectious disease genomics service and the provision of specialist bioinformatics advice.
About us
Public Health Wales is the National Public Health Institute in Wales. Our vision is 'Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales' where we play a pivotal role in driving improvements in population health and well-being, reducing health inequalities, improving healthcare outcomes, protecting the public and supporting the development of health in all policies across Wales.Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view in Trac.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Bioinformatics team in the Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU) is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. It supports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomic surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, and provides support for Health Protection Teams in outbreak investigation and contro
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Bioinformatics team in the Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU) is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. It supports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomic surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, and provides support for Health Protection Teams in outbreak investigation and contro
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Honours degree in Medical Microbiology or Molecular Biology or similar
- Post graduate qualification (e.g. MSc) in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Similar equivalent qualifications acceptable for HCPC registration.
Experience
Essential
- Application of bioinformatics tools using the UNIX command line
- Experience developing software using at least one of C/C++, Perl, Python or Java
- Familiarity with systems for versioning software (ideally git)
- Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. high throughput sequencing data)
Desirable
- Experience developing software within containers or virtual machines and configuration and software maintenance of UNIX servers
- Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
- Experience working in a professional software development environment including procedures such as software versioning, generation of documentation and commenting of code
Skills
Essential
- Understands, can perform and teach others principles and relevant aspects of bioinformatics
- Accessing and analysis of DNA sequence data with an ability to analyse complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources
- Ability to organise own work and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Can recognize problems and generate potential solutions, using knowledge/experience to analyse a range of options and inform sound decision making
Desirable
- Can provide technical information, instruction or training to individuals.
- Database management on UNIX systems
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent comprehensive knowledge of PC, server, storage & networking hardware.
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows software, ethernet TCP/IP networking and Active Directory.
- Current evidence based practice or relevant practical experience in software development.
Desirable
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics
- Understanding of microbiology of disease and disease processes. Including molecular microbiology and molecular epidemiology
- Knowledge of relational databases and the use of SQL to query the information stored in them
Disposition
Essential
- Reliable, conscientious and punctual
- Able to accept instruction and take responsibility for own actions
Desirable
- Prepared to undertake new challenges
- Keen to demonstrate good personal performance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Honours degree in Medical Microbiology or Molecular Biology or similar
- Post graduate qualification (e.g. MSc) in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Similar equivalent qualifications acceptable for HCPC registration.
Experience
Essential
- Application of bioinformatics tools using the UNIX command line
- Experience developing software using at least one of C/C++, Perl, Python or Java
- Familiarity with systems for versioning software (ideally git)
- Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. high throughput sequencing data)
Desirable
- Experience developing software within containers or virtual machines and configuration and software maintenance of UNIX servers
- Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
- Experience working in a professional software development environment including procedures such as software versioning, generation of documentation and commenting of code
Skills
Essential
- Understands, can perform and teach others principles and relevant aspects of bioinformatics
- Accessing and analysis of DNA sequence data with an ability to analyse complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources
- Ability to organise own work and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Can recognize problems and generate potential solutions, using knowledge/experience to analyse a range of options and inform sound decision making
Desirable
- Can provide technical information, instruction or training to individuals.
- Database management on UNIX systems
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent comprehensive knowledge of PC, server, storage & networking hardware.
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows software, ethernet TCP/IP networking and Active Directory.
- Current evidence based practice or relevant practical experience in software development.
Desirable
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics
- Understanding of microbiology of disease and disease processes. Including molecular microbiology and molecular epidemiology
- Knowledge of relational databases and the use of SQL to query the information stored in them
Disposition
Essential
- Reliable, conscientious and punctual
- Able to accept instruction and take responsibility for own actions
Desirable
- Prepared to undertake new challenges
- Keen to demonstrate good personal performance.
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
