"Computational Biologist for the Genome Reference Informatics Team"

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We are seeking a talented Computational Biologist to join the Genome Reference Informatics Team at Wellcome Sanger Institute on a 2 year contract contributing to the curation of genome assemblies to produce high quality chromosome-scale references.

About the Role:

The Tree of Life project is generating genome assemblies for thousands of species. We need you to analyse and improve the resulting assemblies to generate the best possible outcome for use by the scientific community to support exciting science all around the globe.

You will be responsible for:

The improvement of automated genome assemblies through manual curation using bespoke software and tools. In addition, you will feedback lessons learned from the curation process to the teams generating assemblies, influencing software development and overall assembly strategy.

About You:

You will have a sound knowledge of genomics and sequence assembly, and possess a high level of problem-solving skills to further improve automated genome assemblies through manual curation using bespoke software and tools. In addition, you have excellent communication skills to feedback lessons learned from the curation process to those working in assembly generation, influencing software development and overall assembly strategy.

You have experience of working collaboratively with others in a professional environment. You are a strong team player and disseminate knowledge and novel insights effectively to ensure constant process improvements whilst retaining consistency within the team. You are organised with the ability to work flexibly to support a number of projects and changing priorities and deliver to agreed quality and timelines.

We have a strong publication record and culture of producing open data resources. This role requires an investigative mindset, with quick decision making and dedication to finalising tasks.

Essential Technical Skills:

• Advanced degree in a Biological or Computational discipline, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable knowledge of genomics, genome assembly and analysis
• Knowledge of the Unix computing environment, ability to modify files and run command line scripts

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Excellent critical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to quickly adapt to new problems and ideas
• Ability to organise, plan and prioritise a diverse range of work to meet deadlines
• A high level of communication skills to be able to document and convey complex information to groups with different levels of technical knowledge
• Attention to detail and the ability to work to meet timelines
• Ability to work in a team to exchange findings and ideas and to ensure consistency and highest quality

About Us:

The Tree of Life (ToL) Programme investigates the diversity of complex organisms through sequencing and cellular technologies to explore the evolution of eukaryotic life, provide the raw materials for new biotechnology and deliver tools and understanding for biodiversity conservation. ToL generates genome assemblies for several large Earth BioGenome project initiatives, like Darwin Tree of Life Project (DToL), Project Psyche and AEGIS in addition to other faculty research projects.

DToL is a major national initiative, led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, to provide high-quality ‘reference’ genome sequences for all eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. The project includes a wide range of partners such as the National History Museum (NHM), Kew Gardens, The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, The Earlham Institute, Wytham Woods and the Marine Biological Association (MBA).

There are further collaborations and partnerships with the Vertebrate Genomes Project, European Reference Genomes Atlas and Earth BioGenome Project.

Other Information:

We operate a hybrid working pattern with the requirement of a minimum 3 days working onsite in this team.

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the essential skills set out above, why you want to apply to this role and what value/experience you can bring.

Salary per annum: £44,905 - £53,000 Role Profile

Informatician/ Data Scientist job family: Grade 2

Contract Type: 2 year contract

Recruitment Process: Shortlisting w/c 23rd February, Interviews w/c 2nd March or w/c 9th March

Closing date: 22nd February 2026