Bioinformatics Scientist Apprenticeship (Masters/Level 7)

at  AstraZeneca

ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

AstraZeneca’s Centre for Genomics Research (CGR) is part of our unprecedented Genomic Initiative involving the analysis of up to 2 million genomes and complementary multi-omics. This includes analysing the sequences of participants from AstraZeneca clinical trials and the sequence data from large population cohorts. CGR is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic early career bioinformatician to support the growing genome analytics and informatics requirements of the Centre.
This is an exciting opportunity to enable large-scale genomic studies among AstraZeneca’s core therapeutic areas of oncology, respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic disease. See: https://www.astrazeneca.com/what-science-can-do/topics/disease-understanding/exploring-the-genome-to-find-novel-targets-for-chronic-diseases.html for more information on the type of science we do.
In this role, you will operate bioinformatics pipelines and workflows to support all aspects of genomics data processing done at the Centre. You will be responsible for managing large scale genomics datasets throughout the data lifecycle – from ingestion of raw sequencing data, secondary and tertiary analysis, result generation till data sharing with internal and external stakeholders.

What you will be doing on daily basis? You will be…

• running data processing pipelines and workflows; sometimes troubleshooting potential issues with the data, metadata or tools
• ensuring that our data is managed in line with the standards and guidelines, including managing data transfers between systems and organisations; managing metadata performing data QC and a wide range of data integration activities
• carrying out deep dives into datasets in collaboration with other groups at AstraZeneca
• working hands-on with industry leading technologies as our informatics capabilities are fully cloud-based and were designed to handle the analysis of large-scale data aiming to reach up to 2 million genomes by 2026.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

We would be looking for the following attributes from our successful applicants:

• Enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn and with a genuine curiosity for science
• Hands-on knowledge of genomics community algorithms and solutions
• Experience with standard bioinformatics tools, data formats and standards
• Ability to communicate with team members and non-experts, both verbally and through documentation
• A strong attention to detail
• A proactive approach to problem solving

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9 to 4 including English, Maths and Science, or equivalent international qualifications.
To have achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) Bachelor level degree in computer sciences, informatics, statistical/population genetics, applied physics or mathematics, or an equivalent international qualification.
English language requirements as outlined in https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/study/application-guide/entry-requirements.

• running data processing pipelines and workflows; sometimes troubleshooting potential issues with the data, metadata or tools
• ensuring that our data is managed in line with the standards and guidelines, including managing data transfers between systems and organisations; managing metadata performing data QC and a wide range of data integration activities
• carrying out deep dives into datasets in collaboration with other groups at AstraZeneca
• working hands-on with industry leading technologies as our informatics capabilities are fully cloud-based and were designed to handle the analysis of large-scale data aiming to reach up to 2 million genomes by 2026