Bioinformatics Scientist

Pencil Biosciences is a seed stage biotech company creating and developing a novel, synthetic, non-CRISPR gene modulation platform with applications in therapeutics, diagnostics and cell engineering. By combining recent advances from fields of such as synthetic biology, synthetic chemistry and macromolecular interaction physics, we are determined to reinvent genome editing from the ground up.

Pencil is based at Alderley Park, Cheshire. Having secured substantial seed funding and an Innovate UK grant in late 2023, Pencil is looking to complete their team to work towards a Series A round in 2026.

We are seeking a bioinformatician to join the growing Pencil team. This position will appeal to individuals looking for the challenge of building a technology and bioinformatics platform from the very beginning. The main day-to-day responsibilities will be analysing data generated in-house and developing computational tools to help guide our technology development. The ideal candidate will be working closely with the Principal Bioinformatician, but also comfortable working independently on projects with non-bioinformatics colleagues, delivering results in a fast-paced and changing environment. As such, the role is suitable for those with some knowledge already, who are looking to improve their technical skills and gain experience working in an industry environment.

We are also willing to consider applications from candidates who fulfil only the essential requirements, but who have significant hands-on molecular biology experience and would be willing to work on both computational and wet-lab projects.

Job specific skills and educational requirements:

Essential

·       PhD in Bioinformatics (or a similar subject), or MSc with equivalent experience

·       Hands-on experience with NGS data analysis using common bioinformatics tools and workflows

·       Strong communication skills with the ability to convey important results to lab-based colleagues and the wider team

·       Experience writing scientific software and scripts in common programming languages (Python strongly preferred)

Desirable

·       Experience in analysis of long-read sequencing NGS technologies (PacBio and Nanopore)

·       Experience with software engineering and deployment tools (e.g. Git, Docker, Nextflow)

·       First-hand experience in design (e.g. Cas9 gRNA optimisation) and analysis (e.g. HDR quantification) of gene editing experiments

·       Understanding of structural variant analysis and detection of chromosomal aberrations and rearrangements; knowledge of gene editing off-target data analysis (e.g. Guide-seq)

·       Knowledge of cloud computing infrastructure (e.g. AWS)

·       Experience using web-based LIMS tools (e.g. Benchling) for workflow automation

·       Experience with protein engineering and AI modelling/design tools (e.g. AlphaFold)

·       Practical hands-on knowledge of wet-lab molecular biology approaches and able to perform some experiments with minimal guidance (methods include: PCR, library preparation, plasmid cloning, etc)

Benefits:

·       Competitive salary

·       Company stock options

·       Private Medical Insurance

·       Intellectually stimulating working environment

·       An opportunity to learn both business and science

·       Excellent growth opportunities – you grow along with the company

How to apply:

Please apply using LinkedIn, attaching your CV and optionally a cover letter in the same file. If you have any questions, please reach out to the hiring manager directly on LinkedIn.

Note that will not be accepting applications from external recruiters for this role.

Location:

Our office and lab facilities are located in the Alderley Park, Cheshire, an established life science campus south of Manchester in beautiful Cheshire, half an hour on the train from Piccadilly Station. In addition to the world class laboratory and office facilities, it offers a multitude of recreational amenities including gym, trails, pub, restaurants and cafes etc. More information about this site can be found at www.alderleypark.co.uk.