Job summary
We are looking for a research bioinformatician to work in the Royal Marsden BRC Translational Research team, supporting clinical trials and BRC-funded translational research projects. The post-holder will work with a highly experienced bioinformatics teams to develop pipelines to analyse paediatric cancer data primarily obtained with next generation sequencing using short (Illumina) and long read (Nanopore) sequencing platforms. The work will take place in the Clinical Genomics Translational Research Laboratory at The Centre for Molecular Pathology at The Royal Marsden NHS FT and The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will join a team with an international track record in translating research to clinical practice for the benefit of patients. The primary role of the post holder will be to develop bioinformatic pipelines for BRC-funded translational research projects. This includes developing novel approaches to circulating cell free DNA (cfDNA) analysis for diagnosing paediatric cancer and monitoring treatment. Other workstreams include the use of long read sequencing for structural variant detection. They will also support the development of cross-BRC theme informatic solutions to enable direct transfer of genomic reports to electronic patient records and linkage to other healthcare data for ascertaining long term outcomes and facilitating the identification of cases for research.
The postholder will be actively involved in the research, development and validation of bioinformatics solutions. They will primarily work with next generation sequencing data from short (Illumina) and long read (Nanopore) sequencing platforms, along with other applications applicable to analysing cfDNA such as digital droplet PCR. The post holder will be expected to work with the Clinical Bioinformatics team and Translational Scientists to assist the transition of new methods from research to clinical diagnostics service. The successful candidate will contribute to publications arising from the work, and will present at national and international meetings as required.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information, please refer to Job Description/Person Specification
Technical, scientific and clinical duties
- To develop novel tools and pipelines for the analysis and interpretation of NGS data in the setting of early diagnosis
- Contribute to the development of ctDNA analysis pipelines
- Maintain internal databases, linked to the main public genome databases and North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT-GLH) central database
- To organise, store and backup data in a timely manner.
- To operate pipelines for the processing and analysis of raw data from high throughput sequencing (next generation sequencing) including calling of variants, translocations, amplification, deletions and other clinically relevant genomic alterations.
- To work with the bioinformatics team to develop automated workflows for large scale Next Generation Sequencing panels
- To prioritise work on a day-to-day basis and liaise with service users and colleagues in order to co-ordinate the service provision and research projects.
- To maintain valid records of bioinformatics activities, and organise corrective action as appropriate.
- To update professional skills as appropriate.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Service Delivery
- To take day-to-day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced
- To communicate effectively with all members of the department, other teams and collaborators.
- To work in a flexible and organised manner, meeting deadlines and turnaround times.
- To work independently when required as well as supervised, and consult senior staff when needed.
- Liaise with equipment/systems engineers regarding aspects of machines and database support, to be able to identify and rectify problems and ensure continuity of service.
- To update the laboratory databases as required.
Quality Assurance
- To ensure that statutory, CPA/ ISO 15189 and Trust requirements for record keeping of results are met by validation or verification of technology and reports as required.
- To ensure work is carried out in line with departmental SOPs and policies.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information, please refer to Job Description/Person Specification
Technical, scientific and clinical duties
- To develop novel tools and pipelines for the analysis and interpretation of NGS data in the setting of early diagnosis
- Contribute to the development of ctDNA analysis pipelines
- Maintain internal databases, linked to the main public genome databases and North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT-GLH) central database
- To organise, store and backup data in a timely manner.
- To operate pipelines for the processing and analysis of raw data from high throughput sequencing (next generation sequencing) including calling of variants, translocations, amplification, deletions and other clinically relevant genomic alterations.
- To work with the bioinformatics team to develop automated workflows for large scale Next Generation Sequencing panels
- To prioritise work on a day-to-day basis and liaise with service users and colleagues in order to co-ordinate the service provision and research projects.
- To maintain valid records of bioinformatics activities, and organise corrective action as appropriate.
- To update professional skills as appropriate.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Service Delivery
- To take day-to-day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced
- To communicate effectively with all members of the department, other teams and collaborators.
- To work in a flexible and organised manner, meeting deadlines and turnaround times.
- To work independently when required as well as supervised, and consult senior staff when needed.
- Liaise with equipment/systems engineers regarding aspects of machines and database support, to be able to identify and rectify problems and ensure continuity of service.
- To update the laboratory databases as required.
Quality Assurance
- To ensure that statutory, CPA/ ISO 15189 and Trust requirements for record keeping of results are met by validation or verification of technology and reports as required.
- To ensure work is carried out in line with departmental SOPs and policies.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to collate, write, publish and present research findings
- Competent in using of Microsoft software or equivalent
- Ability to perform complex scientific calculations, data analysis and interpretation
- Analytical, perceptive, eye for details
- Ability to deal with database/systems trouble shooting
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Proven commitment to personal development and enthusiasm for the job
- Flexible approach to work and ability to work independently
Specific Experience
Essential
- BSc in biological sciences/bioinformatics/computational biology
- MSc or PhD degree in bioinformatics/computational biology or appropriate relevant experience
- Experience of working in cancer genetics and NGS analysis
- Demonstrable experience of programming skills including a thorough knowledge of R language and scripting languages (Perl and/or Python)
- Experience in the use and evaluation of open-source software as well as software design and development
- Able to work to deadlines and prioritise daily tasks effectively, operating autonomously and as part of a team
Desirable
- HCPC-Registered Clinical Bioinformatician or working towards registration
- Experience of high-performance computing systems, parallelising jobs and development/maintenance of a web portals
- Experience using docker for development as well as version control system i.e. git
- Ability to perform data audits and understanding of all aspects of quality management, including ISO15189
Clinical Responsibility
Essential
- Ability to troubleshoot and extrapolate from basic information to consider additional investigations to perform
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to collate, write, publish and present research findings
- Competent in using of Microsoft software or equivalent
- Ability to perform complex scientific calculations, data analysis and interpretation
- Analytical, perceptive, eye for details
- Ability to deal with database/systems trouble shooting
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Proven commitment to personal development and enthusiasm for the job
- Flexible approach to work and ability to work independently
Specific Experience
Essential
- BSc in biological sciences/bioinformatics/computational biology
- MSc or PhD degree in bioinformatics/computational biology or appropriate relevant experience
- Experience of working in cancer genetics and NGS analysis
- Demonstrable experience of programming skills including a thorough knowledge of R language and scripting languages (Perl and/or Python)
- Experience in the use and evaluation of open-source software as well as software design and development
- Able to work to deadlines and prioritise daily tasks effectively, operating autonomously and as part of a team
Desirable
- HCPC-Registered Clinical Bioinformatician or working towards registration
- Experience of high-performance computing systems, parallelising jobs and development/maintenance of a web portals
- Experience using docker for development as well as version control system i.e. git
- Ability to perform data audits and understanding of all aspects of quality management, including ISO15189
Clinical Responsibility
Essential
- Ability to troubleshoot and extrapolate from basic information to consider additional investigations to perform
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
