Bioinformatician (XR06)

1x 12-month fixed-term band 6 position (at NEY GLH Central Laboratory Leeds)

37.5 hours per week, full time, fixed-term

In response to NHS England's recent Strategy and Service Specification for the future of Genomics services in England, Newcastle Teaching Hospitals, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Children's Trust, and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals have formed the North East and Yorkshire Genomics Laboratory Hub; an exciting collaboration to provide services for Genomics across Yorkshire and Humber and the North. The combined size of our geography makes this the largest collaboration in the country with the Trusts offering a range of both general and specialist hospital services with excellent clinical outcomes for patients. We have an international reputation for excellence in specialist care, research, and academic training.

Main duties of the job

We are looking to recruit 1 x Band 6 Bioinformatician post to work within the North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub (NE&Y GLH) bioinformatics team.

A breakdown of the positions available is given below:

1 x 12-month fixed-term post based at Leeds (NE&Y Central Laboratory at St James's University Hospital in Leeds)

Applications from individuals with an MSc or PhD in Bioinformatics or Computer Science, particularly with experience in human cancer genomics, are highly desirable.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of exciting projects spanning both rare disease and cancer genomics.

Please note, due to funding requirements, the successful applicant must commence their role before 31st March 2025.

About us

The role responsibilities include:

To provide highly specialised bioinformatics expertise to support the diagnostic platforms being used within NE&Y GLH. This will include implementation of methods of data handling, analysis, and interpretation of data that will ultimately have a direct impact on patient care.

To work within the NE&Y GLH virtual team based across the different NE&Y GLH sites to plan activities and develop the bioinformatics capability of NE&Y GLH.

This post provides the opportunity to join our collaborative team at the forefront of transforming and shaping genomics services for the future. If you would like to join us on our exciting journey, we would welcome your interest and application.

For further enquiries or a confidential discussion please contact Helena Spiewak (NE&Y GLH Lead Bioinformatician) at helena.spiewak@nhs.net

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay, or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Job responsibilities

PURPOSE

The North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub (NEY GLH) comprises a partnership arrangement between several organisations (Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Sheffield Children's Hospital FT, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals FT, and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals FT).

The GLH operates as a network to deliver genomic testing, as outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory, across a broad range of Genomic specialties including both cancer and rare diseases. We provide a coordinated and comprehensive service to deliver standardised outcomes, on-going consolidation, quality improvement, and adoption of new technologies.

The post-holder will:

• Work under guidance to provide highly specialised bioinformatics expertise to support the diagnostic platforms being used within NEY GLH. This will include implementation and validation of methods of data handling, software development, and analysis and interpretation of data that will ultimately have a direct impact on patient care.
• Work with the lead bioinformatician and within the NEY GLH virtual team based across the different NEY GLH sites to plan activities and develop the bioinformatics capability of NEY GLH.
• Carry out research and development and audit in the field of genetics and bioinformatics.
• Assist in delivery of a quality, cost-effective, and patient-focused service from a combination of specialist areas within the department.
• Take responsibility for own work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The post holder will work under guidance to provide highly specialised bioinformatics expertise to support the diagnostic platforms being used within NEY GLH. This will include implementation and validation of methods of data handling, software development, and analysis and interpretation of data that will ultimately have a direct impact on patient care.

The post holder will work with the lead bioinformatician and within the NEY GLH virtual team based across the different NEY GLH sites to plan activities and develop the bioinformatics capability of NEY GLH.

The post holder will be required to carry out research and development and service improvement in the field of genetics and bioinformatics.

The post holder will have appropriate scientific duties and responsibilities to contribute to the provision and development of an effective and high-quality diagnostic service.

Maintain awareness of, and adhere to, all relevant codes of practice, Health & Safety procedures and operational policies, and inform the safety officer of any hazards or potential risks encountered.

Ensure the best possible standard of work by applying scientific skills and expertise to maintain a high level of quality, reliability, timeliness, and accuracy.

Contribute information, both written and verbal, to local and national scientific meetings and workshops.

Core Aspects of the Role

Communication and Relationships

The post holder requires the skill to present bioinformatics results, research findings, statistical data, analytical developments, audit results, and teaching materials to groups of professional staff through departmental seminars, and/or external scientific meetings.

The post holder will also communicate with:

• Clinical Scientists, Medical, Biomedical Scientists, Healthcare Science Assistants, IT and informatics staff, and clerical staff on matters concerning the laboratory, systems, and projects.
• Peers, regionally and nationally, to discuss problems and service matters.

Analytical and Judgemental

Judgmental skills will be required when providing bioinformatic services as part of the overall service provided by the NEY GLH. You will understand the need to report adverse events in the event of errors and failures.

Develop, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot highly complex bioinformatics software safely and efficiently.

Input, manage, extract, and interpret patient data using the laboratory computer system.

Analysing, validating, interpreting, and comparing technical data plus exercising judgement in identifying problems and then solving them.

Maintain patient confidentiality. You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information that is related to patient care.

Observe the requirements of departmental policies relating to service provision, for example sample labelling and adverse event reporting.

Observe the requirements of Trust policies relating to clinical and people governance.

Planning and Organisational

Communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically, or electronically.

Organise, plan, prioritise, interpret, validate and authorise your workload and coordinate this with work undertaken by other team members.

Work independently.

Work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures.

Take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work.

Person Specification

Experience

• Programming skills in a modern programming language such as Python and R
• Ability to recognise and advise on appropriate solutions for data analysis
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to non-specialists
• Self-confident but also able to work well as part of a team
• Competence in a wide range of complex laboratory procedures
• Significant experience within the speciality
• Ability to work in a Unix/Linux environment

Skills and Behaviours

• Knowledge of statistical principles and tests
• Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Have worked with data from NGS
• Experience of software development
• Experience in high-dimensional data management and analysis

Qualifications

• 1st or 2nd class honors degree in Biological Science with a strong genetics component, or Bioinformatics or Computer Science
• Evidence of CPD (Continuous Professional Development)
• Participation in relevant CPD schemes and willingness to undertake other formal study and in-house training