Deputy Director of Bioinformatics

We are actively seeking a Deputy Director of Bioinformatics to join the Southwest Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH) team. This AfC 8B role offers an exciting and unique opportunity to be involved in the development of the infrastructure supporting the genomics patient pathway in the South West. The UK is recognised worldwide as a leader in genomics allowing us to deliver advances at scale and pace for the benefit of patients and their families. Bioinformatics will play a vital role in the NHS realising the benefits of genomics.

The SWGLH is a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust and the Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust.

As a Deputy Director within the Genomics Bioinformatics team, you will play a crucial role in the strategic development of the bioinformatics service ensuring that it remains at the cutting edge of bioinformatics practice. You will provide senior coordination, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic elements of the NHSE genomics data and Digital strategy, with particular focus on unifying the SWGLH Bioinformatics teams to efficiently deliver this strategy.

The successful candidate will have a track record of project delivery, innovation, team building and problem solving. The candidate will work both regionally, and nationally across the GMS network and be expected to have an onsite presence across the SWGLH.

• Under the direction of the SWGLH Informatics and Clinical Bioinformatics Director, steer the development of bioinformatics systems and ensure systems across the SWGLH meet the technical requirements of the service, as well as any contractual obligations.
• Support the SWGLH Informatics and Clinical Bioinformatics Director in the strategic development of the bioinformatics service ensuring that it remains at the cutting edge of bioinformatics practice.
• Undertake collaborative research (infrequently) and development on new bioinformatics applications for variant assessment, e.g., the use of AI, as well as the development of bioinformatics for new technologies.
• Work with the GLH Management Group and local Laboratory leads to unify the SW bioinformatics teams to support the appropriate and efficient use of resources required to implement and maintain the bioinformatics, data management and storage systems.
• Ensure the bioinformatics pipelines and processes are compliant with all relevant regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 15189:2012) and accreditation bodies and that best practice guidelines and standards applicable to bioinformatics are adhered to.

Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered. We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services.

The SWGLH values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

The NHS provides Genomic testing through a single national testing network, creating a world-class resource for the NHS and underpinning the future Genomic Medicine Service. It also supports the delivery of the Government’s Life Sciences Strategy and the broader research and innovation agenda, building upon the NHS contribution to the 100,000 Genomes Project.

The post holder will, under the direction of the Informatics Director, be responsible for all services bio-informatics activities. The South West GLH (SWGLH) is a partnership which is led by North Bristol NHS Trust and includes the Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust. Through this partnership, the GLH is responsible for the delivery of high-quality genomic testing for the Southwest region which covers Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, and Gloucestershire.

The SWGLH is also part of a network of 7 Hubs nationally which are working together to deliver the national genomic testing service through consolidated state of the art, high throughput, high quality, and standardised laboratories.

The GLHs have been established to:

1. Address the variation in quality and access to genetic testing across the country especially in cancer.
2. Improve the information available in terms of spending on testing and the type of tests being performed.
3. Broaden our understanding of the cause of disease and the effectiveness of the interventions that will be offered to patients and their families to help deliver high quality care for all, now and for future generations.

Main Duties of the Role

The post holder will report directly to SWGLH Informatics and Clinical Bioinformatics Director within the GLH and be accountable to the SW GLH Operations Director and Head of Lab for the BGL. The candidate will be expected to travel across the region, with a reasonable amount of time spent cross site working.

Strategic

The post holder will report directly to SWGLH Informatics and Clinical Bioinformatics Director within the GLH and be accountable to the SW GLH Operations Director and Head of Lab for the BGL. The candidate will be expected to travel across the region, with a reasonable amount of time spent cross site working.

1. Under the overall strategic direction of the SWGLH Informatics and Clinical Bioinformatics Director, provide Bioinformatics leadership for the SWGLH, taking responsibility for policy implementation, service development and implementation of new bioinformatic services in line with the NHSE vision for a patient centered Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) as well as other national legislation and initiatives.
2. The postholder will be required to deputise for the Bioinformatics and Informatics Director in both regional and national meetings as required, contributing, and influencing bioinformatics development for the NHSE GMS.
3. Be responsible for overseeing the operations of the bioinformatics teams, working to support the aims of the SWGLH, working closely with the local laboratory Bioinformatics leads.
4. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting and delivering training components to develop the next generation of scientists and bioinformaticians. This role requires a significant engagement across the Southwest GLH and bioinformatics leadership at a regional and national level and thus excellent communication.