Senior Bioinformatician in Spatial Multi-omics

The opportunity:

The Bayraktar group  is seeking a senior bioinformatician for single cell and spatial transcriptomic studies of the healthy and diseased human brain. The role will support multiple computational projects across the lab, with a major focus on exploring how the tumour microenvironment (TME) drives malignant cell states in glioblastoma (GBM). Our exciting “GBM-space” project is an international collaboration funded by Wellcome LEAP to integrate single cell transcriptomics, epigenomics and spatial RNA/DNA-sequencing in order to systematically deconstruct TME-GBM cell interactions and plasticity in situ.

The team:

The Bayraktar group studies the cellular wiring of human tissues using spatial genomics, focusing on brain development and disease. We have significant expertise in single cell and spatial genomics and have developed new methods for multi-modal data integration (e.g. Cell2location in collaboration with Stegle team). We collaborate closely with leading computational biology teams in single cell and spatial biology. The GBM-space project led by Dr. Bayraktar brings us together with other experts in cancer and neurodevelopment across The German Cancer Research Centre (Oli Stegle), Cambridge (David Rowitch, Richard Mair) and the Crick (James Briscoe).

Key responsibilities:

• Integrated single cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis of GBM and other human neurological disorders
• Experimental data management and dissemination
• Coordination of data analysis efforts across the Bayraktar team
• Training other lab members in single cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis

Relevant publications of the team:

Cell2location maps fine-grained cell types in spatial transcriptomic data. Kleshchevnikov V,  Shmatko A….Stegle O*,  Bayraktar OA*.

Nature Biotechnology 2022 40, 661–671.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-01139-4  

Transcriptome-wide spatial RNA profiling maps the cellular architecture of the developing human neocortex. Roberts K, Aivazidis A, Kleshchevnikov V, Li T, Fropf R, Rhodes M, Beechem J, Hemberg M, Bayraktar OA.

bioRxiv 2021

https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.20.436265

Technical Skillset

• PhD or MSc in relevant quantitative discipline (e.g. Computational Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Physics, Engineering or Mathematics) or equivalent experience.
• Proven understanding and experience in the fields of genomics, data processing and high-throughput data analysis.
• Experience with single cell or spatial genomics data analysis, especially with machine learning tools and Bayesian models.
• Competency in programming languages e.g., Python, R.

Competency/Behavioural Skillset

• Motivation and ambition to make a personal contribution to GRL research
• Excellent communication skills to allow efficient interactions with collaborators
• Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment
• Ability to effectively prioritise, multi-task and work independently
• Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter addressing how you meet the criteria set out above and in the job description.

Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis and the role will close when a successful appointment has been made.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth.

Our benefits:

There’s an attractive benefits package on offer at the Wellcome Genome Campus. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.
As well as the usual benefits you would expect, we go much further:

• 25 days annual leave (extra 1 day to a maximum of 30 days for every year you work)
• Auto-enrolment into a generous Group Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, with enhanced company contribution (for more information, see our Pensions page )
• Up to 2 days annual paid volunteering leave
• Up to 10 days paid Emergency Carers Leave per year
• Family friendly environment including options for flexible and part-time working, an on-site Workplace Nursery salary Sacrifice Schemes for pre-school children and Summer holiday club
• Life Assurance is accessible on day 1 for all 
• Group Income Protection Scheme (if on a contract exceeding 12 months)
• Enhanced maternity, parental and adoption leave
• Access to substantial number of courses and training events onsite
• Private Healthcare Scheme 
• Eyecare and Dental payment plans
• Concessions and discounts from our corporate perks site

Being part of the Wellcome Genome Campus you will be part of the beautiful working environment with an impressive range of benefits, services and facilities also including:

• Free bus service to and from Campus, covering various routes around Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages
• A car-share initiative
• Free parking
• A number of on-site venues where you can meet, eat and socialise with colleagues
• A thriving Sports and Social Club which provides members with subsidised access to a gym, tennis courts, sports hall, fitness classes and a vibrant social calendar of events

In 2020 we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.