Job Description
About TraitSeq:
TraitSeq, an AI-based agritech company, leverages proprietary machine learning methods to significantly accelerate the development of improved crops, livestock, and agrochemical products. Our services are invaluable for breeding, agrochemical, and gene-editing companies, offering highly precise predictions of complex agricultural traits and biomarkers.
As a spin-out from the Earlham Institute, a prestigious biotech research institution specialising in genomics and data science, TraitSeq's foundation lies in machine learning research with applications in plant biology, specifically predicting plant performance traits and identifying sets of predictive biomarkers.
A prominent challenge in the agritech industry is predicting the impact of genetics and gene modifications on important traits due to their polygenic nature and the intricate interaction between genetic and environmental factors. TraitSeq's proprietary technology combines machine learning algorithms and genomics research to reliably predict complex traits in crops using omics data.
Our ultimate goal? To revolutionise the agritech industry through our precision-driven predictions. Our proprietary technology not only predicts complex traits in crops and livestock but also detects the transcriptomic markers that are instrumental in unlocking the potential of agriculture. As such, TraitSeq is poised to lead the way in the next generation of predictive agricultural development.
About the Role:
We are excited to announce an opening for a bioinformatician to join our dynamic and passionate team. This is a pivotal role where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our company's methodologies and oversee the processing and management of genomic and transcriptomic datasets generated through our various trial projects.
Your role will grant you the opportunity to harness our powerful technology to analyse transcriptomics datasets, and train models that direct critical decisions related to breeding and product development in agriculture. This is a position that will challenge you, inspire you, and allow you to contribute to a revolutionary change in the agritech sector.
A significant advantage of joining TraitSeq is the unique chance to enhance your machine learning capabilities under the mentorship of our highly skilled technical founders. You'll have the opportunity to cultivate sought-after skills and deepen your understanding of how machine learning can drive transformative change in industries like ours.
To be successful, you will be dynamic, dedicated and have a profound passion for the intersection of bioinformatics, data analysis and the limitless potential of AI. Your expertise will be crucial in helping TraitSeq continue its journey in leading the transformation of the agritech industry.
Person Specification:
- You hold a PhD or possess equivalent experience in bioinformatics, life sciences, statistics, or computer science.
- You have demonstrated a high-level analytical capability and have a comprehensive understanding of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Experience in the processing and analysis of bulk genomic, transcriptomic, or epigenomic sequencing data (DNA-Seq, RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, Chip-Seq) is desirable.
- You possess strong interpersonal skills, with the capability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- You have an in-depth understanding of modern computational biology techniques and methods, and have the innovative mindset to contribute to the development of new methodologies.
- You have experience in effectively assessing resource requirements and managing resources for optimal efficiency.
- Familiarity with machine learning principles, particularly as applied to biological or transcriptomic data, is a significant plus.
Key Responsibilities:
- Processing and quality control of RNA-Seq data for a number of plant and animal species to generate gene expression datasets, which includes tasks like sequence alignment, quantification, normalisation, and identification of differentially expressed genes.
- Develop and implement standardised, efficient pipelines for processing new RNA-Seq datasets to generate gene expression data.
- Collaborating closely with Joshua Colmer, one of TraitSeq’s founders, to develop, optimise, and apply supervised machine learning methods to identify predictive biomarkers and crop/livestock trait prediction models.
- Ensuring data integrity, including maintaining data storage systems, establishing data processing pipelines, and performing regular data cleaning and validation tasks.
- Managing and troubleshooting our High-Performance Computing Environment, including software installation, version control, and resource optimisation.
- Clearly and persuasively communicating the results of your work to key agritech commercial partners and customers through presentations, reports, and technical papers.
- Carrying out detailed statistical analysis of RNA-Seq datasets, including gene ontology enrichment analysis, regulatory network inference, differential expression analysis, and other related bioinformatics tasks.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Proven experience and proficiency in bioinformatics, with a solid grasp of the latest bioinformatics tools and pipelines, specifically in processing and analysing RNA-Seq data.
- Demonstrated experience in working within a Unix/Linux environment, including proficiency in shell scripting and command-line tools.
- Strong programming skills, particularly in languages commonly used in bioinformatics such as R and Python, and familiarity with version control systems like Git.
- Data management and data engineering skills, with experience in managing large genomic datasets.
- A proactive, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach to work, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Experience in applying machine learning methods to biological data, with familiarity with frameworks such as scikit-learn or PyTorch, is advantageous.
- Excellent command of the English language and an ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including commercial partners, scientists, and non-scientific stakeholders.
Benefits at TraitSeq:
At TraitSeq, we strive to create a rewarding work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and personal growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Competitive salary
- A flexible work arrangement, including remote or hybrid working options
- Access to the latest tools and technologies
- Opportunities for professional development and learning
Join TraitSeq, a pioneer at the intersection of biology, technology, and agriculture, and be a part of the future of agritech. We are a team of thinkers, innovators, and visionaries; we believe in the power of science to transform the agricultural industry. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected] by 21st June 2023 – informal enquiries are encouraged. For more information about TraitSeq, visit our website at www.traitseq.com.
Notes:
This role will initially be fully remote, with the opportunity for hybrid or on-site working in the future.
Due to the expected volume of applications, we may not be able to provide feedback to all candidates. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. However, we appreciate your interest in TraitSeq and encourage you to apply for future positions.
TraitSeq is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Salary: £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- On-site gym
- Work from home
Schedule:
Work Location: Remote
Application deadline: 21/06/2023
Reference ID: TraitSeq - Bioinformatician (Predictive Omics)
Expected start date: 03/07/2023