Head of Bioinformatics

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.

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.
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.
What’s on Offer

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your career within a dynamic and rapidly growing team. Competitive salary + company benefits