Job Description

As Principal Investigator in Genomics and Bioinformatics, you will lead NHSBTs scientific research and innovation agenda across genomics, bioinformatics and data science. You will play a pivotal role in advancing NHSBTs research strategy, ensuring that novel approaches are developed, validated and implemented to improve patient outcomes and strengthen NHSBTs contribution to the wider NHS. This senior position requires a balance of high level scientific expertise, leadership and collaborative skills to influence national and international developments in the field. You will be expected to secure funding, manage research programmes and teams and act as a key spokesperson for NHSBT in these areas.
Main duties of the job
Ensuring the research, development and implementation of innovative, evidence-based approaches. Developing a robust portfolio of research by securing internal and external funding, aligned with NHSBT's strategic priorities in genomics, bioinformatics, and data science. Representing NHSBT at national and international levels, shaping policy, fostering collaboration and promoting excellence in research and clinical translation. Providing leadership for the development of guidelines and best practice within several areas including bioinformatics, genotyping, evaluation of full blood counts and allocation of blood products, NHSBT and the NHS. Communicating complex research findings clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences including stakeholders, peers, patients and the public Building and strengthening collaborations with healthcare providers, academic institutions and industry partners to support the effective delivery of translational research. Managing staff, budgets, and operational resources necessary for achieving the strategic objectives of the research programme. Contributing to the professional and personal development of scientific staff, students, trainees, clinicians and researchers through teaching, training and mentoring.
About us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need. Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever. You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Details
Date posted
25 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8d
Salary
91,342 to 105,337 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
007451
Job locations
NHSBT
Long Road
Cambridge
CB2 0PT
Job description
Job responsibilities
What we offer:

• NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
• 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
• Weve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. Its open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking Apply if you are viewing this advert on another site.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What we offer:

• NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
• 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
• Weve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. Its open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking Apply if you are viewing this advert on another site.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• PhD and significant postdoctoral experience in bioinformatics of clinical genomics
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)

Experience
Essential

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office applications to prepare written and oral presentations (e.g. PowerPoint presentations, word documents), design and manipulate excel spread sheets to analyse and present data.
• Demonstratable ability to program novel bespoke bioinformatic solutions using modern object orientated scripting languages (eg. Python, Ruby, Scala etc.)
• Excellent skills in coding, programming, mathematical modelling, database construction and how to apply these skills to clinical genomics
• Experience of analysis, interpretation and data visualisation of highly complex genomic and biological data
• Experience of leading, managing and developing teams, and educating junior members of staff
• PhD level scientific knowledge in human clinical genetics and bioinformatics
• Experience of leading the development of guidelines and best practice
• Proven experience of working in UNIX/LINUX and BASH scripting
• Extensive track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Track record of successful applications for external funding
• Experience of working within an academic environment
• Knowledge and understanding of research governance
• Experience of co-ordinating multiple research projects
• Experience in software engineering
• Experience of managing budgets

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• PhD and significant postdoctoral experience in bioinformatics of clinical genomics
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)

Experience
Essential

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office applications to prepare written and oral presentations (e.g. PowerPoint presentations, word documents), design and manipulate excel spread sheets to analyse and present data.
• Demonstratable ability to program novel bespoke bioinformatic solutions using modern object orientated scripting languages (eg. Python, Ruby, Scala etc.)
• Excellent skills in coding, programming, mathematical modelling, database construction and how to apply these skills to clinical genomics
• Experience of analysis, interpretation and data visualisation of highly complex genomic and biological data
• Experience of leading, managing and developing teams, and educating junior members of staff
• PhD level scientific knowledge in human clinical genetics and bioinformatics
• Experience of leading the development of guidelines and best practice
• Proven experience of working in UNIX/LINUX and BASH scripting
• Extensive track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Track record of successful applications for external funding
• Experience of working within an academic environment
• Knowledge and understanding of research governance
• Experience of co-ordinating multiple research projects
• Experience in software engineering
• Experience of managing budgets

Skills Required