Internal - Research Associate in Computational Biology

Job Advert

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate in Computational Biology

School of Biosciences

We are seeking to appoint a Post‑Doctoral Bioinformatician for a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of microbial genomics and national defence. As part of the GHOST project, funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the postholder will help develop advanced bioinformatics tools to detect engineered pathogens through investigation of anomalous genomic signals, advancing the field of Microbial Forensics.

• Develop and test computational tools for detecting genomic hallmarks of synthetic and transposable elements (GHOSTs).
• Support integration of these tools into national biosurveillance systems.
• Collaborate with public health and defence stakeholders to enhance the UK’s readiness for biological threats.
• Conduct data analysis, statistical modelling and ‘omics data analysis.

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Proven expertise in ‘omics data analysis and statistical modelling.
• Experience with advanced bioinformatics tool development.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Position is full time (35 hours a week) and fixed term for a period of 4 months or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner.

Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade
6).

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave pro rata, local pension scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and support for a Living Wage.

Closing date:
Wednesday, 8 July 2026.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities or age. Special encouragement is given to those under‑represented within the University workforce, such as those identifying as LGBT+, ethnic minority or with disabilities.

Flexible working and job share arrangements may be considered.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). In hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available here.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than one submitted in English.