Senior Bioinformatician

The Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Division, at Porton Down, comprises approximately 150 staff focusing on critical early steps in infection control. Including pathogen identification, characterisation, and diagnostic development. Within DPC, the Virology and Pathogenesis and Pathogen Characterisation (VPPC) group undertakes research on arboviruses, viral haemorrhagic fevers, and other emerging zoonotic viruses that present significant risks to human health. Its work aligns with the institute's role as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for virus research and reference. Spanning diagnostics, surveillance, and evaluation of therapeutics and vaccines, supported by strong international collaborations. We are recruiting a bioinformatician to the Pathogen Characterisation group to support genomics programmes targeting rare and emerging pathogens. The post-holder will work across multidisciplinary teams to enhance molecular workflows and expand genomic capabilities for priority pathogens. Responsibilities include integrating sequencing outputs into analytical pipelines to support surveillance, outbreak response, and research.,

• Develop, maintain, and deploy whole genome sequencing (WGS) bioinformatics pipelines, including refactoring and improving existing software components.
• Implement, test, validate, and version new analytical tools and integrate them into production-ready WGS workflows.
• Analyse genomic datasets and deliver high-quality reports within agreed timelines to support surveillance, research, and outbreak responses.
• Provide training, guidance, and best-practice advice on the use and interpretation of bioinformatics tools and analyses.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, posters, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Represent the organisation at internal, national, and international meetings and contribute to collaborative networks.
• Identify, evaluate, and adopt new technologies and analytical approaches to enhance scientific capability and maintain high technical standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, and provide line or project management support where required.
• Ensure all work complies with organisational safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including maintaining personal health and safety competence.
• Adhere to organisational policies, values, confidentiality requirements, and contribute flexibly to additional duties as required.
  
  A grounding in molecular biology is essential. Experience with Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data is desirable, particularly with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, alongside familiarity with viral or bacterial genome analysis, including assembly, variant calling, and quality control.
  
  We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.