Principal Scientist - Computational Biology

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Scientist to lead their Computational Biology group in Newcastle upon Tyne . This senior role will focus on leveraging large-scale biological datasets to uncover novel insights into disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. You will play a critical role in shaping the computational strategy, developing innovative analytical approaches, and collaborating with experimental teams to translate computational findings into tangible research outcomes. This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader in the field to drive significant scientific advancements within a cutting-edge R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of computational biology research projects, integrating diverse datasets including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• Develop and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines and machine learning models for target identification and validation.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists and chemists to interpret results and guide research strategy.
• Mentor and manage a team of computational biologists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Present research findings to internal stakeholders and at international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's R&D efforts, identifying new opportunities in data-driven drug discovery.

Requirements

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Extensive experience (8+ years) in computational biology research, with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data using relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with machine learning techniques and their application to biological problems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing scientific teams.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and high-performance computing environments.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant bonus potential and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working policies.
• Dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Access to state-of-the-art computational resources and collaborative research environment.