Bioinformatician - Genomics Innovation Unit

Job summary

The Genomics Innovation Unit (GIU) at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust is looking to grow its team strategically, adding a talented computational biologist to help us expand our capabilities and take on more projects simultaneously, while remaining nimble, dynamic, and effective. The primary project for this role will involve developing algorithms and implementing pipelines to analyse genomic and transcriptomic datasets towards the rapid detection of different types of cancer.

In addition, the GIU develops novel genomic diagnostic tests, and in the process innovates new experimental approaches. Sinch the experimental workflows are customised for each project, the computational workflows also have to be tailored to suit each application. GIU projects typically involve genomic sequencing of patient samples, including but not limited to Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. This part of the role will involve developing algorithms and writing software to convert raw sequencing data into diagnoses, using in-house code and off-the shelf components. Another important aspect of this job will be providing bioinformatic support for our many collaborations with academics from King's College London, and several NHS Trusts. Finally, the GIU is making strides into using machine learning for genomic applications, for which we have access to in-house and HPC GPUs. There is room within this role to pursue cutting-edge projects applying deep learning to genomic and proteomic data.

Main duties of the job

The GIU develops novel genomic diagnostic tests, and in the process innovates new experimental approaches. Since the experimental workflows are customised for each project, the computational workflows also have to be tailored to suit each application. Experimentally, GIU projects typically involve genomic sequencing of patient samples, including but not limited to Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. This part of the role will primarily involve developing algorithms and writing software to convert raw sequencing data into diagnoses, using in-house code and off-the shelf components. Another important aspect of this job will be providing bioinformatic support for our many collaborations with academics from King's College London, and several NHS Trusts. Finally, the GIU is making strides into using machine learning for genomic applications, for which we have access to in-house and HPC GPUs. There is room within this role to pursue cutting-edge projects applying deep learning to genomic and proteomic data.

About us

The Genomics Innovation Unit (GIU) at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust is a unique and exciting technology incubator within the NHS. The GIU develops novel genomic diagnostic tests for cancer and rare diseases, applying cutting-edge molecular biology and computational techniques in the process. Our research is application-driven, forming the vital link between translational research and clinical implementation, and culminating in tangible improvements to patient care. Our work takes genomic biomarkers through the life cycle of diagnostic test development, from proof-of-concept studies through to validation and accreditation. In the short time since the GIU's creation we have developed several testing approaches which focus on delivering more personalised treatments for patients.