Research Fellow in Bioinformatics(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About the Role

The Sussex Bioinformatics Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Bioinformatics to support two high-impact projects focused on data-driven cancer research and precision medicine.

You will contribute to the CRUK Data Hub, an online platform designed to make cancer datasets easier to find, access, and reuse in accordance with FAIR Data principles. This will involve collaborating with data scientists from Cancer Research UK and the HDR-UK Health Data Gateway, developing and maintaining web infrastructure, managing metadata quality, and creating user guidance and training materials to improve research accessibility.

In addition, you will work on the Pearl AI: DependANT project — an AI-powered platform supporting oncologists in analysing tumour DNA/RNA sequencing data to identify targeted therapies and relevant clinical trials. Your work will include processing sequencing data (FASTQ, BAM/CRAM, VCF), generating inputs for AI analysis, and developing secure, reproducible bioinformatics workflows.

You will also help prepare patient-facing documents, participate in multidisciplinary meetings (particularly Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) teams), and collaborate with clinicians to ensure that research outputs deliver clinical benefit.

About You

You will have recently completed (or be close to completing) a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline, and be motivated to apply your technical and analytical expertise to improve cancer research and patient outcomes.

Essential Criteria:

PhD (or equivalent experience) in Bioinformatics, Informatics, or a closely related field.

Strong coding skills in Python and/or Laravel, with experience in web development.

Experience in building bioinformatics pipelines and processing sequencing data.

Understanding of FAIR data principles and metadata management.

Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, developers, and clinicians.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

Experience with AI/ML integration, cloud-based data workflows, or secure data sharing.

Previous work on health data management or clinical genomics projects.

You should be proactive, creative, and comfortable combining data science, software engineering, and biology. A passion for open science and translating data into real-world clinical impact is key.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex is a world-leading centre for research and education across Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Ecology, Evolution, and Biomedical Sciences.

The School houses five departments and the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, with a strong research culture supported by major external funding. It is home to three University Centres of Excellence:

The Genome Damage and Stability Centre

Sussex Neuroscience

The Sussex Sustainability Research Programme

The School has a Silver Athena Swan Award and is proud of its commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.

Further details: School of Life Sciences Website

Why Work at Sussex

Located on a beautiful 150-acre campus beside the South Downs National Park, the University of Sussex offers a supportive and inclusive environment with excellent facilities and benefits:

Easy access by public transport (5 minutes from Falmer Station).

Cycle-to-work scheme and staff wellbeing initiatives.

A rich and diverse academic community driving global research impact.

Find out more about:

Reward and Benefits Package

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Sussex

Visa Sponsorship Information

This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary criteria for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship (full-time, Grade 7.4).
Applicants requiring sponsorship should review:

UK Skilled Worker Visa Information

ATAS Clearance Guidance

Equality and Diversity

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from women and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented in STEMM disciplines.

The University is a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcomes applications for job-share, part-time, or flexible working arrangements.

All work undertaken for the University must be performed within the UK.