Research Computational Biologist

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC, and Europe. Oxford Nanopore employs from multiple subject areas including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing, and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.

Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis (for rapid insights), in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale, that can analyse native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere. 

The Sequencing Methods Research group is responsible for exploring novel ways to sequence and characterise biological molecules. This is an outstanding opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation in a multi-disciplinary team together with the chemists, molecular and structural biologists as well as computational biologists and machine learning experts. This role is a 12 months fixed term contract.

The details

The successful candidate will work on data-driven dataset design and computational methods to support our efforts in improving key features of the technology such as modified/damaged bases detection as well as RNA, and DNA basecalling. Whilst you will closely interact with the team leader, you will also work as a technical expert collaborating with other teams, in particular with the Machine learning group. Responsibilities will involve a wide range of computational tasks, including but not limited to the following:

• Dataset engineering to obtain control sequences aimed at improving our ability to call canonical and modified nucleic acid bases.
• Handling of large-scale datasets, metadata management and data quality control.
• Bioinformatic analyses of long and short read data with publicly available and internal command line tools.
• Custom data analysis and visualisation with Python.
• Management of multidisciplinary projects at the interface between computational and molecular biology requiring a deep involvement in the experimental design.
• Working hard towards team objectives with accountability of meeting their project targets which might involve more junior team members.
• Communicating technical and scientific work internally across the R&D division

What We Are Looking For

Essential

• Advanced Python Programming Skills : This includes complex file parsing, data visualization, and io/compute efficient algorithms.
• Familiarity with Linux Operating Systems and Bash Scripting : Proficiency in high-performance computing and virtual environments.
• PhD or Master’s Degree with  at least 3 years of R&D Experience : A strong educational background and research experience in bioinformatics or data science is required.
• Extensive Knowledge of Molecular Biology Methods and Functional Genomics : Understanding of biological concepts and their application to computational biology is crucial.
• Understanding of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing Technology : Specific knowledge of the company's sequencing technology is necessary for the role.
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Data Analysis : Proficiency in handling large-scale datasets, metadata management, and bioinformatic analyses is important.
• General Biology Knowledge : A solid understanding of general biology, genetics, and genomics is valuable for this position.

Desirable

• Statistical Skills and Machine learning : Competence in analysis and interpretation of biological data using conventional statistical methods and modern ML tools is beneficial.
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: The ability to communicate technical and scientific work effectively is a desirable quality for the position.
• Experimental molecular biology : Hands on wet lab experience is an advantage for this role in particular  NGS library preparation and sequencing.

Applications are encouraged from candidates who would enjoy working with an agile approach to research and able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment. The successful candidate has strong organisational and problem-solving abilities and needs to be able to perform well under pressure to meet deadlines in a demanding and fast-paced environment. 

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare, and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that candidates with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications, and abilities to perform the duties of the job