Applications Specialist, Biopharma Bioinformatics

Reporting to the Director, Applications Bioinformatics, the successful candidate will work with others in the Applications group to interpret sequencing data in a range of biological contexts to answer biological questions and to give best-practice advise to customers and our support teams. Specifically, the candidate will leverage domain expertise for the analysis of data in applications within the biopharma industry. The role will involve evaluating different analysis methods (where appropriate) to understand the differences of the different approaches and to understand the effects that this can have on the final interpretation of the data. The job holder will communicate their findings to internal stakeholders and present the group’s work in meetings and webinars.

Other responsibilities include: Working on the development of pipelines for analysis of applications of DNA and direct RNA sequencing using ONT

• ’s nanopore sensing platform. This will cover the a range of existing and new applications, but will particularly focus on applications for the biopharma industry
• Working with laboratory-based Applications scientists in the group to help them plan and refine experiments, to interpret the data generated in the appropriate biological context, and to report the results clearly
• Interacting with other data analysts and bioinformaticians in the company, to utilize and adapt their tools for analysis, and to work with developers in other teams to productionize methods and analyses as needed
• Working closely with other applications groups in different locations to keep up-to-date with the latest developments, provide feedback and incorporate them into analyses where appropriateWorking as part of a multi-disciplinary team on the whole experimental cycle from sample collection through to high-quality publication or other presentation

We are looking for an individual with expertise in bioinformatics and statistics and in-depth knowledge of the range and limitations of existing bioinformatics tools to join our Applications team as an Applications Bioinformatician., We’ll expect you to have a track record of successfully performing appropriate bioinformatics sequence analyses for a range of different kinds of project and a history of involvement in the whole experimental process, from the initial experimental concept to execution. In addition, you’ll have practical experience of handling and analyzing large data sets and working closely with lab scientists to continually refine the experimental and analytical approaches.

You’re also someone with good communication and interpersonal skills with an enthusiasm for technology. You feel confident discussing and presenting data within the team and with other colleagues. You are versatile, have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. In addition, you’re experienced with scripting languages, e.g. Python, R, etc. and up to date with the latest literature about NGS and analysis. You’ll have an PhD (or equivalent experience) involving a substantial amount of analysis and visualization of DNA and RNA sequence data, ideally with subsequent pos-doctoral or industry experience. Ideally, you will also have specific expertise in analyzing data for biopharmaceutical applications or related applications (e.g. genetic engineering, microbiology, synthetic biology).

This role will suit a creative, self-reliant, positive individual with a can-do attitude and the ability to stay focused in fast-paced situations.

The salary for this role is between $116,000 and $145,000 USD per annum. The salary offered will reflect the skills and experience of the candidate.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins. The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.