Cranleigh STEM has partnered exclusively with an innovative biotechnology startup developing groundbreaking RNA sequencing technology. Having recently transitioned out of stealth mode, the company is seeking a new Head of Bioinformatics to join their Edinburgh-based team on a permanent basis.
As Head of Bioinformatics, you will play a key role as part of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping the strategic direction of bioinformatics efforts and driving data-driven decision-making. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-performing team, develop transformative bioinformatics solutions, and contribute to the success of a fast-growing company with bold ambitions.
Head of Bioinformatics key responsibilities
Leadership and Management
* Lead and manage the bioinformatics team, setting a clear strategic vision and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
* Oversee performance management, professional development, coaching, and mentoring.
* Ensure departmental goals align with the company’s broader strategy and objectives.
Technical Oversight
* Guide the development and optimization of bioinformatics tools, including enhancing novel software.
* Oversee the design, implementation, and automation of analysis pipelines for large-scale transcriptomics and genomic datasets.
* Manage IT and computational infrastructure, including cloud services (e.g., AWS), to enable seamless data processing across laboratory and computational environments.
* Maintain rigorous quality control standards for genomic analyses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines.
Collaboration and Communication
* Partner with researchers, data scientists, clinicians, and external stakeholders to advance research goals and inform decision-making.
* Prepare scientific and operational reports for the CEO and external stakeholders, including Board presentations and grant funding agencies.
Innovation and Strategy
* Identify emerging trends and opportunities in bioinformatics, proposing innovative solutions to enhance research capabilities.
* Build strategic partnerships with external organizations to support the company’s growth and research initiatives.
Head of Bioinformatics requirements
Essential Qualifications
* Master’s or PhD in Bioinformatics or a related field.
* Proven expertise in bioinformatics and genomic data analysis, particularly high-throughput sequencing and transcriptomics.
* Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Perl.
* Experience with bioinformatics tools, algorithms, databases, and pipeline development.
* Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, including mentoring bioinformatics professionals.
* Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
Desirable Skills
* Familiarity with machine learning techniques and their bioinformatics applications.
* Experience with cloud computing platforms and scalable workflows.
* Knowledge of statistical methods applied to genomic data.
* Awareness of regulatory and ethical considerations in genomics research.
Key Personal Attributes
* Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous learning.
* Collaborative team player with an open and respectful approach.
* Strategic thinker capable of challenging assumptions and seeing the big picture.
* Adaptable, detail-oriented, and diligent.
* Strong ethical standards with a focus on data privacy and security.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your career within a dynamic and rapidly growing team. Competitive salary + company benefits.