Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Bioinformatics/Data Science)

Organisation: Cranfield University

Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.

Contract type: Fixed term contract

Fixed Term Period: Until 22 November 2028

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 to £45,580 per annum, with potential progression up to £52,067 per annum

Apply by: 10/05/2026

Role Description

We welcome applications from enthusiastic bioinformaticians or data scientists to join our flag-ship project ‘Developing a resilient and regenerative tea production system’.

About the Role

We are looking for a full-time postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on a high-profile project funded under the BBSRC’s Prosperity Partnership programme, a collaboration between Cranfield University, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, Browns East Africa Plantations and the UK Tea and Infusion Association. The project seeks to improve the sustainability of tea production through elucidating the mechanisms that enhance soil function and soil health in plantations, and by advancing molecular breeding approaches in a long-standing tea breeding programme.

The role will be to lead analysis of soil microbiome data, and to carry out plant genetic analysis (genomic selection and identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes), working alongside two other Research Fellows specialising in agronomy and remote sensing. The project team also includes eight academic staff, three PhD students, and expert industry Research & Development teams based in Kenya and The Netherlands. The role involves delivering some training in analysis methods to other members of the wider project team.

About You

You will be educated to doctoral level and have a track record in processing and interpreting Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and genomic data. Experience with shell scripting (Bash), and at least one high-level programming language (Python or R) is essential. A sound knowledge of soil microbiology and/or plant genomics, and an interest in sustainable agriculture, would be advantageous.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Andrew Thompson, Professor of Molecular Plant Sciences & Head of Soils, Agrifood and Biosciences, on (E): a.j.thompson@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5284.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 10 May 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.