Research Fellow (Bioinformatician) in genetics of inherited neuromuscular diseases Full-time

Research Fellow (Bioinformatician) in Genetics of Inherited Neuromuscular Diseases

The International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases (ICGNMD) was established in 2019 to understand the worldwide genetic causes of neuromuscular diseases and address the under-representation of people living in low-middle income settings in genetic NMD cohorts. We have created a comprehensive genetic and phenotypic database of participants from around the world and connect experts globally to collaborate in diagnosis and research in NMD. Our aim is to improve international knowledge of the global causes of NMD and increase access to genomic medicine, so more patients' care can be informed by their genetic data.

ICGNMD-2 will run for three years from March 2026 and we are seeking an experienced and motivated bioinformatician to identify, adapt, and implement cutting edge techniques and applications to interrogate short-read, long-read, and transcriptome data. There is also the potential to develop and publish novel analytical approaches. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside clinical experts, bioinformaticians, and basic scientific researchers at a world-leading institution to make a tangible difference to the NMD rare disease community. While day-to-day engagement will be with UCL colleagues, you will be expected to develop positive working relationships with ICGNMD researchers across the UK and internationally, therefore strong communication and data reporting skills are essential to report findings and their significance. The post is available from immediately and is funded by the Medical Research Council until 31 January 2029 in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team at ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk. Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Lindsay Wilson, Centre Research Manager at lindsay.wilson@ucl.ac.uk. A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a short, bioinformatics-based exercise and present their results as part of the interview process.

You will have a PhD in bioinformatics, or equivalent skills and experience, an understanding of human genetics, and knowledge of DNA and RNA sequencing analysis. Knowledge of bioinformatics pipelines for genomic data analysis, and of programming languages such as R, Python, or Bash script is essential, as is experience of working with High Performance Computing. Time management skills, the ability to work to strict objectives, and the ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary team are also a requirement. This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £39,148 – £41,833 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.