Full Time/Permanent

At Vernalis, we develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and generate development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.

We’re looking to expand our Informatics group with team-orientated and skilled Scientific Data Managers/ Informatics Specialists to deliver, optimise and support chemical and biological information systems used by our Cambridge-based Research group.

Key responsibilities
• Maintain and develop discovery research databases.
• Collaborate with key scientific personnel to develop and roll out new scientific information systems and reporting tools.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of our compound registration system, providing expert advice to chemists.
• Maintain protocols within ActivityBase; provide and implement updates, new studies, and protocols according to end-user requirements.
• Implement improvements in template design and design new templates for use in assays and HTS screening through liaison with end-users in Chemistry and Biology.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of our LIMS and electronic lab notebooks and their integration.
• Lead the support of our Mosaic inventory management system.
• Train end-users.
• Work with IT to ensure availability of reporting tools and applications to aid workflows.
• Extract and manage data, such as legacy data and commercial chemical libraries, to incorporate within a data warehouse.
• General administration of scientific database systems, e.g., data dictionary maintenance.

About the candidate
The role is ideally suited to both drug discovery scientists that love coding and implementing new software tools and database developers who are passionate about working with chemical structure databases.

Candidates will have at least a BSc/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline and ideally hold a PhD or other postgraduate qualification, together with at least five years of postgraduate experience, preferably within industry.

Technical Skills/Expertise
• Strong database development skills (with some knowledge of Oracle preferred, PostgreSQL also advantageous) e.g.: schema design, data warehousing, ETL in a scientific environment.
• Experience managing biological assay data and its quality control
• Software development skills including web application development and containerised application deployment with Docker or Kubernetes.
• Experience using data pipelining tools e.g. Knime and Pipeline Pilot.
• Familiarity with the drug discovery process and supporting drug discovery research tools.

Personal Skills and Behaviours
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• An active awareness of new and developing technologies
• Works both independently and in collaboration with others
• Plans ahead and is proactive in identifying and troubleshooting potential obstacles.
• Meticulous with excellent analytical and organisational skills.
• Can deal with tight deadlines and changing priorities
• Reliable, professional and conscientious attitude
We offer talented and motivated individuals’ excellent opportunities to develop their career within a creative and supportive team environment. Plus, a benefits package that includes a competitive salary (in line with qualifications and experience), bonus, pension, private medical cover and life assurance.