Manchester University NHS Foundation TrustLead Bioinformatician - GenomicsClosing date: 17 August 2026
Job summaryManchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), host of the North-West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NWGLH), is seeking an experienced Lead Bioinformatician to provide strategic and operational leadership across the North-West Genomic Medicine Service (NW GMS).
This senior role will lead the design, development and delivery of bioinformatics pipelines and infrastructure to support genomic diagnostics across rare disease and cancer pathways. The post holder will ensure high-quality, timely, and compliant genomic analysis and contribute to regional and national bioinformatics strategy.
Main duties of the job- Lead on all aspects of bioinformatics across the NW GMS.
- Develop, implement and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for NGS and WGS.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and data governance standards.
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary bioinformatics teams.
- Ensure timely delivery of clinical bioinformatics outputs.
- Establish systems for secure storage and management of large genomic datasets.
- Collaborate with national organisations including Genomics England and NHS England.
- Drive innovation through research and adoption of emerging technologies.
About usManchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester.
As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities.
MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development.
Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond.
DetailsDate posted: 03 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8c
Salary: £79,504 to £91,609 a year per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-SPH-8011908-RL4
Job locations: North-West Genomic Laboratory Hub, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesTo find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate PlaceTo help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore
Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access
Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings earlyWe welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Person SpecificationKnowledge and ExperienceEssential- Experience of developing, advising and implementing bioinformatics solutions
- Experience at handling and interpreting genomic data including WGS
- Reviewing and evaluating the latest Bioinformatics tools and techniques
- Experience of software development in an object-oriented language
- Experience of leading, managing and developing teams
- Experience managing complex bioinformatics integration projects
- Experience in leading and managing change to improve service delivery
- Management of data storage
- Knowledge of NGS approaches, and statistical methods
- Thorough knowledge of bioinformatic tools for analysis and interpretation of genomic data
- Good knowledge of UNIX
- Programming or scripting language knowledge and experience
- Good knowledge of general managerial procedures
- Knowledge of data protection requirements
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft applications
- Familiar with issues re. storage, backup, transmission, and sharing of large scale data
- Knowledge of ISO15189:2012 standards applied to bioinformatics
- Knowledge of human genetics
Desirable- Knowledge of requirements for Clinical Laboratory Accreditation (Bioinformatics)
- Analysis of microarray (CNV) data
Skills and AbilitiesEssential- High level of practical ability NGS analysis techniques
- Able to initiate and manage R&D activities
- Able to organise and manage complex activities
- Able to provide leadership and training to scientific, technical and clinical teams
- Able to maintain intense concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions
- Able to recognise patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical situations
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Able to prepare and present highly complex information for education and training
- Able to advise at Trust Board level on relevant areas of expertise
- Able to develop new policies and protocols
- Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations
- Self-confidence
- Compliance with MFT standards of behavior at all times
- Track record of contribution to peer reviewed publications
Training & EducationEssential- Evidence of commitment to Continued Professional Development
- PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification in bioinformatics OR PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a human genomics-based discipline with a significant bioinformatics component
- Registered with the HCPC as Clinical Scientist / Clinical Bioinformatician
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:
Development & Innovation Lead
David Gokhale
david.gokhale@mft.nhs.uk
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application. 
