Principal Bioinformatics Scientist

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a scientifically curious datadriven and inventive Principal Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Data Science and Analytics department advancing the discovery and development of therapies through the analysis and interpretation of complex biological data. The role is based in Slough UK.

About the Role

As Principal Bioinformatics Scientist you will play a pivotal role in advancing therapeutic programs across all stages of research and clinical development. By integrating analysing and interpreting largescale molecular and patientlevel datasets you will generate insights that support target identification biomarker discovery indication selection patient stratification and translational research efforts.

You will combine deep biological expertise with advanced computational approaches to uncover disease mechanisms and accelerate decisionmaking across UCBs portfolio. Working at the intersection of data science biology and drug discovery you will help shape the future of precision medicine and innovative therapeutic development.

Who Youll Work With

You will collaborate with scientists across biology translational medicine pharmacology and data sciences translating complex biomedical datasets into mechanistic insights that support therapeutic project progression.

What Youll Do

• Shape target hypotheses indication prioritization asset differentiation and patient stratification using multi-omics data.
• Work fluently across data types from bulk and single-cell transcriptomics to genetics and proteomics drawing biological meaning from each.
• Develop or adapt state-of-the-art computational methods such as co-expression multi-omics integration and cellular crosstalk analyses to expose causality sharpen our understanding of disease biology
• Work with combinations of diverse data types including gene expression genetic VDJ repertoire spatial and proteomic datasets to generate biological insights.
• Apply statistical machine learning and systems biology approaches to answer key scientific questions.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to scientific and nonscientific audiences enabling impactful decisionmaking.
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of bioinformatics approaches and workflows data integration strategies and analytical best practices.

Interested For this role were looking for:

• PhD or equivalent in Bioinformatics Computational Biology Computational Genetics Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Substantial industry or academic experience in a bioinformatics role ideally within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.
• Deep expertise in both the analysis and the biological interpretation of omics data including bulk single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Experience with other omics modalities and familiarity with immunology are a real plus.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and R with hands-on experience developing reproducible bioinformatics pipelines using Nextflow/Snakemake containerisation with Docker version control via Git/Azure DevOps and deployment on cloud-based (e.g. AWS/DNAnexus) and HPC environments.
• Genuine curiosity about what advances in generative and agentic AI can unlock for the field.
• Scientific rigor and superior communication and collaboration skills

Are you ready to go beyond to create value and make your mark for patients If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us
At UCB we dont just complete tasks we create value. We arent afraid to push forward collaborate and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring supportive culture where everyone feels included respected and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We go beyond to create value for our patients and always with a human focus whether thats on our patients our employees or our planet. Working for us you will discover a place where you can grow and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB weve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.