Genomics Data Scientist - Sanger institute｜Meet.jobs

The Vertebrate Resequencing team together with Professor Richard Durbin at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is seeking a motivated genomics data scientist to contribute to data processing, analysis and tool development for a new initiative to derive large numbers of vertebrate genome sequences as part of the Vertebrate Genome Diversity Project.

We will be producing genome assemblies for hundreds to thousands of species, using cutting edge long-read DNA sequencing technologies like PacBio, Oxford Nanopore and 10x alongside Illumina. The results will be contributed to the Genome 10k Project (genome10k.soe.ucsc.edu). The successful applicant will investigate and use existing tools, and develop new tools and pipelines for data analysis and quality control at scale.

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is a world leader in genomic science and data analysis. The Vertebrate Resequencing team (www.sanger.ac.uk/science/groups/vertebrate-resequencing) has played major roles in numerous large-scale DNA sequencing projects such as 1000 Genomes (www.1000genomes.org), UK10K (www.uk10k.org), HipSci (www.hipsci.org) and the Haplotype Reference Consortium (www.haplotype-reference-consortium.org). We also contribute to the development of the widely used SAMtools/BCFtools/HTSlib package (www.htslib.org) and have developed a web service to impute and phase human genotype data (imputation.sanger.ac.uk).

The successful candidate will work closely with an established team of analysts and developers and with researchers in the Durbin research group (http://www.sanger.ac.uk/science/groups/durbin-group) and other Computational Genomics and Human Genetics groups at the institute.

This role would suit somebody with some previous experience with 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, although it does require enthusiasm, computational skill and rigour, and a scientific mind-set.

For further information or questions about this post please contact Shane McCarthy (sm15@sanger.ac.uk).

Essential Skills

 

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable record of strong computational data analysis
• Familiarity with the unix computing environment
• Proficiency in one or more scripting languages
• 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
• An interest in scientific research and a strong intellectual curiosity
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

 

Ideal Skills

 

• Experience with high throughput DNA sequence analysis
• Knowledge of genome assembly
• Experience in comparative genomics
• Experience in scientific programming
• Statistics/Maths background
• C/C++ programming experience

 

Other information

The Sanger Institute is a charitably funded research centre focused on understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. We use state of the art large-scale genomic approaches to drive world-leading projects to uncover the basis of genetic and infectious disease. Our goal is to provide results that can be translated into diagnostics, treatments or therapies that reduce global health burdens.

The Institute is located near Cambridge, UK on the stunning Wellcome Genome Campus. This growing and dynamic site is the British hub of genomic science. It hosts the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), Open Targets, a Biodata Innovation Centre and will soon host Genomics England Limited’s 100,000 Genomes Sequencing Centre. The Campus is also home to Wellcome Genome Campus Connecting Science. Connecting Science inspires new thinking, sparks conversation and supports learning by drawing on the ground-breaking research taking place on the Campus. Its mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society.

To help researchers to develop their skills and networks, the Institute hosts a range of scientific seminars with internal and invited speakers, scientific group meetings and skills development workshops.

Our Benefits include: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, Group Income Protection, Healthcare scheme, Childcare Vouchers, Workplace Nursery and 25 days Annual Leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30, plus Bank Holidays. We also have a gym, two cafes, dining facilities, and a free campus bus service. Our thriving Sports and Social Club provides many opportunities to meet with people working across the campus.

Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

Please include a covering letter and CV with your application.