Applications are invited for a Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join an expanding science-based start-up. The successful candidate will work closely with the members of the data and wider science teams to develop and validate state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and processes for sequence-based biodiversity data. Applicants should have significant experience with metabarcoding data and the development of bioinformatics pipelines. Topics of current interest include data quality assurance, taxonomic assignment, and phylogeny-informed approaches for Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding data. Future work may focus on alternative technologies and approaches such as metatranscriptomics, shotgun metagenomics, and nanopore sequencing. Evidence of significant contribution to relevant research projects is required. The successful applicant will be comfortable working independently and as part of a wider team. They will be required to lead the development of the company's bioinformatics pipelines in close collaboration with the Lead Bioinformatician.
Applicants must submit examples of their work as part of their application. The full specification can be found below. To apply please email careers@naturemetrics.co.uk including a CV and covering letter, and state that you are applying for the Bioinformatics Research Scientist role. There is no fixed deadline for applications and the position will be held open until we find the right candidate.
ABOUT NatureMetrics
NatureMetrics is a high-growth start-up company leading the revolution in molecular biodiversity monitoring, enabling environmental managers to measure and monitor biodiversity with DNA-based tools. We have grown steadily for four years and are now expanding following a recent investment raise. We are a team of bright, enthusiastic individuals who are excited to be breaking new ground and disrupting the world of biodiversity monitoring. We take great pride in our work and are seeking
new team members who will do the same. For more details, please visit www.naturemetrics.co.uk.
Roles & responsibilities
ABOUT NatureMetrics
NatureMetrics is a high-growth start-up company leading the revolution in molecular biodiversity monitoring, enabling environmental managers to measure and monitor biodiversity with DNA-based tools. We have grown steadily for four years and are now expanding following a recent investment raise. We are a team of bright, enthusiastic individuals who are excited to be breaking new ground and disrupting the world of biodiversity monitoring. We take great pride in our work and are seeking
new team members who will do the same. For more details, please visit www.naturemetrics.co.uk.
Roles & responsibilities
General- Lead on the development and implementation of new bioinformatics pipelines in close collaboration with the Lead Bioinformatician- Work with the Bioinformatician to operationalise new solutions andintegrate into SOPs- Refine existing pipelines where required- Lead on the bioinformatics component of projects that require a bespoke solution- Ensure that the outputs of bioinformatics pipelines are robust and of high quality- Contribute to scientific publications and reports- Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and tenders where relevantDocumentation- Maintain version-controlled, fully annotated scripts following NatureMetrics style guides- Write guides/explainers for developed tools suitable for different audiences- Prepare and contribute to reports and applications where relevantReporting- This role reports to the Lead BioinformaticianCommunication- Attend regular update meetings with the wider team- Update wider company, management or board on progress as required- Work collaboratively with the data and science teams
Person specification
Education & qualifications- You will have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in a relevant field- Specialist knowledge, skills & experience- Strong R and/or Python coding is essential, with good working knowledge of relevant packages- Experience with common command-line tools used in metabarcoding is required- Evidence of extensive metabarcoding data handling is required- Evidence of a leading role in relevant tool development is required- Particular expertise in quality control, taxonomic assignment, or appropriate phylogenetic methods would be an advantage- Strong Bash scripting and experience with Ubuntu would be an advantageInterpersonal & communication skills- Organised & meticulous with effective communication skills- Able to work independently and as part of a teamAdditional requirements- All applicants are legally required to demonstrate the right to work/permission to work in the UK
Terms & conditions
Location
- The post is based at NatureMetrics Ltd, CABI Site, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY- There is significant flexibility for regular home working
Working pattern and hours
- The post is advertised at 40 hours a week Monday to Friday- Core hours are between 10am and 4pm- Applications for flexible working will be considered
Length of appointment
- Full time, permanent
Salary - £40,000+ per annum, depending on experience
Start - Immediately
Duration - Permanent
