Bioinformatician or Genome Biologist

Department: School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences
Salary: £37,182 – £44,722 per annum (Grade 4)
Reference: 681
Location: Mile End
Date posted: 17 January 2024
Closing date: 30 January 2024

Further details and apply

Overview

About the Role

Applications are invited for a Bioinformatician or Genome Biologist to join QMUL and it’s genomics spin-out Pragmatic Genomics. Pragmatic Genomics produces SequenceServer, an analysis platform for comparing and visualising proprietary DNA and protein sequence data, including using the BLAST algorithm. The tool is essential for applications from vaccine development, to synthetic biology, to crop growth optimisation, to university teaching and research, and to tracking illegal ivory seizures.

This role focuses on helping SequenceServer BLAST users make the most out of the software, and to help potential users to discover its capabilities. The work will involve balancing bioinformatics constraints with biological aims, developing and refining technical documentation and engaging with existing and potential users online and in person.

About the School

You will be part of a thriving community of genomic and molecular scientists at QMUL and Pragmatic Genomics. Details about SBBS can be found at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/ . Details about SequenceServer can be found at https://sequenceserver.com .

About You

You will have a demonstrated track record in molecular biology or bioinformatics, with prior real-world experience of using BLAST for diverse analysis, and strong understanding of genomic and molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extractions, PCR, cloning, plasmid assembly, sequencing technologies, genome annotation and assembly etc.).

Applicants will have strong analytical skills and be enthusiastic about scientific rigour, visualization approaches, and great software. Being able to use the command-line to run BLAST or use R is a plus.

The role will include creation of relevant technical documentation (e.g., blog posts, website content, tutorial videos), following up with potential customers, and working independently to support the visibility and impact of the project. Excellent written communication abilities and attention to detail are essential. Clearly structured organizational skills are essential, and an ability to think creatively about the best ways to support SequenceServer, and to implement proposed ideas. The postholder will help shape the future of SequenceServer, including through specifying, testing and refining how the software can be improved.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

Our reformer heritage informs our conviction that great ideas can and should come from anywhere. It’s an approach that has brought results across the globe, from the communities of east London to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

In return, we offer 30 days’ leave per annum, access to a pension scheme, a season ticket loan scheme and competitive salaries. We also offer enhanced family friendly leave, and an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus. You will also work with a friendly team, with personal development opportunities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability.

Further details and apply