Bioinformatician

**Job Purpose**
The post holder should be an experienced bioinformatician, to be able to work on a range of data analysis, data integration, curatorial and community-engagement activities for WormBase ParaSite. This will include driving annotation improvements within WB-PS by developing new workflows, and enabling updates from the research community.
Across the globe, parasitic worms impose an enormous disease burden on humans, livestock and crops. WormBase ParaSite facilitates new approaches to the study and control of parasitic worms by integrating, analysing and displaying genomic data for hundreds of species, and enabling deep comparative explorations of genome evolution and gene function.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
1. Analyse, curate and process large-scale datasets (e.g. annotation, gene-expression, genomes and genes, variants, phenotypes) for inclusion into the resource
2. Pro-actively analyse and curate existing datasets, working with collaborators at EMBL-EBI to devise solutions to correct systematic errors.
3. Work with collaborators at EMBL-EBI to prepare new releases of WormBase Parasite
4. Review outputs from annotation workflows to troubleshoot problems, customising workflows and deploying changes where appropriate.
5. Operate a helpdesk, responding to enquiries from the research community
6. Identify new datasets for inclusion by monitoring literature, social media, and helpdesk traffic. Engage with data producers to guide submission of datasets into public repositories and onwards into WormBase ParaSite.
7. Develop effective relationships with the scientific users, through helpdesk, meetings and conferences to gain a sound understanding of their needs to ensure that the resource meet their requirements
8. Communicate progress and plans effectively, through regular stand-ups and project-planning meetings
9. Contribute to problem-solving discussions within the team and provide input to strategic decisions to help move the team forward.
10. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility
11. Troubleshoot and fix data consistency or annotation problems independently without regular mentorship.
12. Contribute to the project codebase
13. Initiate and guide problem solving discussions
14. Help develop and maintain external collaborations, nationally and internationally in line with the project goals
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**Qualifications**

**Essential**-A2 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.

**Knowledge and Skills**

**Essential**
C1 Intermediate level programming/scripting (e.g. Perl/Python)
C2 Up to date knowledge of functional genomics experiments, particularly those using sequencing approaches
C3 Proficiency in Unix/Linux
C4 Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
C5 Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
C6 Excellent time management skills
C5 Ability to prioritise, manage workload, and deliver agreed activities consistently
C6 Ability to work independently and as part of a team
C7 Proven ability to plan and efficiently collaborate with others to develop and deploy software
C8 Knowledge of parasitology, preferably helminths
C9 Good understanding of genomics and annotation methodologies

**Experience**

**Essential**
E1 Experience of programming languages relevant to the project: Perl/Python
E2 Experience working with relational database systems: MySQL or Postgress
E3 Experience of working in a research environment
E4 Track record in creating user interface requirements/development
E5 Experience working within the academic/research sector
E6 Extensive track record of delivering completed bioinformatics analyses
E7 Extensive experience leading and developing collaborations

**Desirable**
F1 Experience working with the Ensembl genomics infrastructure
F2 Software development in the area of biology
F3 Genome annotation/curation
F4 Experience using Apollo annotation tool
F5 Experience using pipeline tools (e.g. Nextflow, Cromwell, eHive or similar)

**Desirable (Grade 7)**
F6 Experience in writing reports or publications.
F7 Experience working with scientific datasets, ideally in a biological setting
F8 Experience of working in a virtual team
F9 Teaching/trainer experience

**Further Enquiries**

**Terms and Conditions**
Salary will be level 6/7, £30,302 - £34,309 / £37,474 - £40,927 per annum.
This post is full time and fixed term to 31st January 2026.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
3 A flexible approach to working.