Job Description

Job Title: Senior Bioinformatician (No Sponsorship Available)

Full-time (37.5 hours) Monday to Friday

Salary Range:

60,000- 70,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Location:

Based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK

Are you passionate about developing new ways of feeding the planet? We are driving positive change in the agricultural industry and your skills could help us do it. This role is for a forward thinking, proactive and highly motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to join a team tackling complex genomic data analysis that informs agricultural developments. The individual will have a passion and desire to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with in-depth understanding of the latest computational biology techniques and methods.

The ideal candidate will have an inquisitive and innovative mindset to contribute to the development of new methodologies and hold a PhD, or possess equivalent experience, in computational biology, mathematical and statistical science that will cover biostatistics and bioinformatics. Proficiency in genomic data analysis, encompassing data quality control, processing, interpretation and genome assembly is essential. Strong programming skills in languages commonly used in bioinformatics and familiarity with version control systems are required. Previous experience in plant sciences, or in genetic target or biomarker discovery would be highly advantageous to the role.

The candidate should be a well organised professional with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling them to operate successfully in a fast-paced, research-driven, commercial environment. The successful candidate will have experience effectively in assessing resource requirements and managing resources for optimal efficiency.

Join our multidisciplinary team of software developers, hardware engineers, scientists, and project management professionals, all work to bring new, innovative solutions to issues seen within the fresh produce industry. Working in the B-Hive offices, integrated into the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park, in the heart of Lincoln, with a full UK driving licence is desirable.

We pride ourselves in out of the box thinking, bringing new ideas and concepts from other industries into agriculture. In just over 8 years, we have already spun out 2 additional companies, HarvestEye Limited and RootExtracts Limited, to bring our technological solutions to the market. Our staff have a flexible and collaborative attitude to working and we value people who relish being an important part of a larger team.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to support genome assembly, annotation, and gene editing projects, with a focus on polyploid plant species. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing high-quality genome resources, supporting gene editing strategies, and collaborating closely with wet-lab teams. This role also includes contributing to strategic R&D initiatives and funding proposals aligned with B-Hive's innovation roadmap.

This role involves leading the bioinformatics works on a precision breeding R&D project initially focused on potatoes. You will manage and analyse whole genome sequencing data from complex polyploid genomes, integrate Hi-C data, and refine the reference genome through iterative updates.

You will work closely with external wet-lab teams and subcontracted genome sequencing providers to ensure accurate design, tracking, and validation of edits. The role also includes responsibility for maintaining reproducible pipelines, contributing to regulatory documentation, and engaging with project stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of technical outputs.

You will be expected to attend regular review meetings and participate in training or development activities to support personal growth and delivery of B-hive's innovation roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

Liaise with subcontractors and collaborators to ensure appropriate sequencing data is generated to meet project milestones. (25%) Quality control and pre-processing of raw sequencing data, including reference selection, alignment, and variant calling. (25%) Develop and maintain reproducible bioinformatics pipelines using Bash and Nextflow. Use Python and/or R for downstream analysis and visualisation. (15%) Ensure data integrity by managing storage, developing QC processes, and performing validation checks. (10%) Conduct targeted statistical analyses (e.g. differential expression, phylogenetics, gene ontology) as needed. (10%) Communicate findings clearly via reports and presentations at internal reviews and external dissemination events. (5%) Design, manage, and deliver gRNA design and edit validation pipelines to support genome editing. (5%) Oversee the integration of Hi-C and WGS data for improving genome resolution and annotation. (5%)

Working Relationships

The job holder will report to the Research and Development Director and will work with various project and departmental teams, including external project partners.

The job holder is expected to treat all colleagues fairly, with respect and without bias. At all times the job holder will be expected to follow and comply with all Health and Safety standards and company policies.

Required Skills

Essential:

Phd in Bioinformatics or similar Proven experience in genome assembly and annotation, ideally with polyploid plant species (e.g. potato), including integration of long-read and Hi-C data. Practical knowledge of genome scaffolding tools and genome version management. Experience designing gRNAs, predicting off-target sites, and validating edits using WGS data. Strong coding and workflow development skills (Bash and Nextflow); proficiency in Python and/or R for data processing and visualisation. Familiarity with data formats and tools: FASTA, GFF3, VCF, samtools, BWA, GATK, InterProScan, etc. Effective communicator with experience working across cross-functional, wet-lab and computational teams. Familiarity with edit-tracking pipelines and the use of genome comparisons to confirm absence of off-target changes.

Desirable:

Understanding of regulatory frameworks and documentation requirements for precision-bred crops. Interest in strategic R&D development, including funding bids and emerging technologies in precision breeding. Experience working with agricultural or horticultural crops in a commercial or research context. Experience with data management practices suitable for commercial R&D settings.

Benefits

Employer pension contributions 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays Group Life Insurance Salary Exchange optional Sick Pay Private Medical Insurance Access to "Grocery Aid" for free advice and guidance Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Apply to:

hr@b-hiveinnovations.co.uk

Submission with CV and covering letter by: 31st August 2025 at 5.00pm

If you have not heard from us by 2 weeks after the closing date, unfortunately on this occasion your application has not been successful. We would like to thank you for showing an interest in our company.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 60,000.00-70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Life insurance Private medical insurance Sick pay
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday No weekends
Ability to commute/relocate:

Lincoln, LN6 7GZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Able to work in the office, based in Lincoln city centre Monday to Friday? Have the right to work in UK, NO Sponsorship is available? Do you have a Phd in Bioinformatics or similar?
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/08/2025
Reference ID: SeniorBio2025