Bioinformatician - Research and Development (Permanent)

Senior Bioinformatician (Imaging) – MANIFEST Research Platform / Cancer Dynamics Laboratory Reports to : Prof. Samra Turajlic, Cancer Dynamic Laboratory Group Leader and MANIFEST Consortium Lead,
Contract term : This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
The role will be placed in Cancer Dynamics Laboratory (Turajlic Lab) and will support the MANIFEST research platform led by Prof. The Research Group & Project
The MANIFEST RESEARCH PLATFORM
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies which unleash the brakes from immune cells to kill cancer cells, have become standard of care for many cancer subtypes. The success of existing, emerging and future immunotherapies and their routine use in the NHS is dependent on the appropriate tools, data and technology to rationalise their use and manage their side effects. An exciting Senior Bioinformatician post is available for MANIFEST (“Multiomic ANalysis of Immunotherapy Features Evidencing Success and Toxicity”), a newly formed ambitious multi-stakeholder consortium involving academic, industry and NHS partners to deliver deep multiomic profiling for patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy. The MANIFEST consortium represents a diverse group of UK-wide experts in cancer research and clinical care comprising major NHS trusts, academic institutes and universities, and industry partners. This grant is funded by the UK Office of Life Sciences (OLS) and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
By integrating multiomic data and innovative methodologies, this platform aims to enhance treatment precision and effectiveness.
The post-holder will work under the supervision of Prof. The primary duty of the post-holder will be to optimise existing algorithms for the analysis and interpretation of multiplex immunofluorescence imaging data, including cell segmentation and quantification and identification of individual cell types within the tumour microenvironment as well as their spatial and social organisation.
To work within the bioinformatics team of the Turajlic lab, and collaborating groups at Francis Crick Institute and beyond, including academic and industry partners.
To optimise image analysis platforms capable of answering research questions associated with the response to cancer immunotherapy To provide expert analysis of high-throughput spatial imaging and spatial omics data, using a wide range of biological resources and bioinformatic methods.
To develop and/or optimise methodologies and techniques to address analysis challenges and implement tools, pipelines and data resources in relation to these technologies.
To provide consultation and communication in data analysis, data mining, and statistics for analysis of biological data.
To analyse large-scale multi-region imaging data.
To liaise and coordinate between project collaborators which include clinicians, cancer biologists, machine learning experts and mathematical modellers.
To document all analyses in an accurate, timely and clearly presented manner, and use this to prepare data summaries and reports as and when required.
To understand the relevant literature (cancer biology, spatial biology and cancer immunology) sufficiently to perform analyses and propose novel ideas.
To attend, and report research results at regular group meetings.
To contribute to the broader research programme of Turajlic lab intellectually and practically.
To engage in relevant MANIFEST programme workflows with academic, NHS and industry partners.
Masters or higher degree in bioinformatics or a relevant discipline with extensive analytical component (or equivalent experience)
Demonstrable experience and skills in imaging data analysis particularly from either transcriptomics-based imaging (e.g., spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA imaging, in situ RNA FISH), multiplex imaging data (e.g., Considerable experience of using bioinformatics in a biological field, ideally within translational research projects
Fluent in shell scripting and at least one of the following programming languages: R or Python, for bioinformatics and image analysis tasks.
A strong foundation in bioinformatics with good computational skills, especially in handling large datasets and automating workflows
Good understanding of statistical approaches for omics and imaging data analysis, particularly for high throughput and complex datasets.
Experience in analysing complex biological data such as spatial omics and integrating these datasets with other omics (e.g., Knowledge of cutting-edge analytical techniques for spatial imaging and spatial omics technologies, ensuring familiarity with the latest tools and pipelines in the field.Ability to manage projects, including setting timelines, analysing data, presenting findings, and.Experience of managing a large analysis project over a number of years
Work with minimal supervision, organising and prioritising own workload
Evidence of independent and original contribution to research
Ability to define and solve research questions
Prior experience of single cell and/or spatial transcriptomics data
Good understanding of deep learning frameworks for image analysis (CNNs, transfer learning).
At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.
We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.
We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.
If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website .
All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful
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