Bioinformatician
| Posting date: | 28 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,749.00 to £45,353.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £37749.00 - £45353.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 May 2026 |
| Location: | London, NW9 5EQ |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | K9919-26-0129 |
Summary
Work with bioinformaticians at UKHSA on efficient bioinformatics pipelines suitable for analysis and comparative genomics of bacterial genome sequences, within GBRUs remit. Compile data arising from priority projects/routine data to characterize bacterial pathogens. Assist to provide a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease and general investigations of illness as appropriate. Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques/methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work with genomic platforms. Undertake analysis of data arising from GBRU genome sequencing projects, including temporal and geographical cluster analysis, characterization of clones, resistance / virulence array data, full genome or resistance plasmid sequencing. Train others in the use of tools developed. Write and update working instruction and SOPs. Prepare reports, posters and publications arising from the data analysis and present findings at internal and/or external meetings. Comply with safety and quality protocols and procedures at all times. Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in pathogen bioinformatics. Ensure compliance with ISO and other accreditation and certification standards, being part of Quality system in place. Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security Information Office. Professional Development Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events. To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training. It should be noted that the work of BRD is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes. This is not an exhaustive list, and the above is only an outline of the core components, tasks and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and the UKHSA. Essential Criteria Degree in Bioinformatics or a related microbiology discipline. Application and adaptation of bioinformatics tools to analyse biological data using the UNIX command line. Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. next-generation/ whole genome sequences). Programming/Script writing (eg. Python, bash). Multitasking; time management skills; able to work to deadlines and achieve milestones. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Desirable Criteria An understanding of the principals of DNA sequence analysis and phylogenetics. Knowledge of molecular microbiology and molecular epidemiology. Experience in working with complex datasets and within challenging environments. Knowledge of Bacterial Pathogens. Understanding of the public sector. Database management (PostgreSQL, SQL queries). Public speaking at national or international meetings. Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. Selection Process Details -Competency based This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift At sift stage you will be assessed against the 6 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete an: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please note you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.Please do not email us your CV. Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500 but your supporting statement must beno more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words. Longlisting In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all Essential Criteria Meets some Essential Criteria Meets no Essential Criteria Only those that 'Meet all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Shortlisting In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria: Application and adaptation of bioinformatics tools to analyse biological data using the UNIX command line. Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. high throughput sequencing data). Programming / script writing (eg. Python, bash). Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview - Competency based You will be invited to a remote interview. Interview dates to be confirmed. During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 6 Essential Criteria: Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities You will be asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on the work that best showcases your capabilities and expertise as a developer of bioinformatics methods, with particular reference to your own contribution and technical inputs. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Additional Information Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our laboratory in London - 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractualworking hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month)working at our lab. Salary Information Grade: Civil Service Higher Executive Officer (HEO) HEO Inner: £37,749 - £45,353 Per annum, pro rata If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires CTC clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.