Senior in silico Scientist - Computational Systems Biologist
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Department
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Location
- Salisbury
- Openings
- 1 post
- Grade
- Grade 7
- Salary
- £51,568 to £58,044
- Closing
- 51 days left
- Profession
- Science
- Contract
- Permanent
- Security clearance
- DV
- Working pattern
- Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time, Compressed hours
Job summary
An exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the UK's safety and security through the application of computational systems biology within a defence critical research environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary Engineering Biology team, you will apply bioinformatics, statistical modelling, machine learning and AI-driven approaches to analyse complex biological datasets, develop mechanistic insights into biological systems, and predict cellular behaviour.
Collaborating closely with research scientists, you will develop innovative computational methods that integrate in silico predictions with laboratory research, driving data-led discovery and supporting the wider Engineering Biology. You will provide technical leadership, influence research direction, and deliver high-quality scientific outputs with real world impact.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
What they’re looking for
- We are seeking an experienced computational biologist, bioinformatician or systems biologist with a proven track record of delivering high-impact research, solving complex scientific challenges and influencing multidisciplinary teams.
- The successful candidate will have recognised expertise in computational analysis of biological systems and the ability to translate complex data into actionable scientific insight. They will demonstrate strong technical leadership, effective communication skills, and experience applying innovative computational approaches to address challenging research questions within a collaborative scientific environment.
- High level of computer literacy and demonstrable experience applying computational approaches to biological research problems.
- Proficiency using Linux.
- Proficiency with scripting languages (e.g. Python, R, shell, etc.)
- Experience developing and applying statistical, machine learning or AI approaches to biological datasets.
- Experience analysing large-scale biological data, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic or related datasets.
- Experience developing computational workflows and analytical pipelines.
- A consistent track record of research outcomes in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, machine learning or a related field.
- Experience of managing data and computational resources in an effective manner.
- Demonstration of technical leadership qualities, including leading and influencing multi-disciplinary teams, mentoring others, and delivering through effective delegation.
- For more information on the job responsibilities, please see the job profile attached below.
- Important Information
- Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.
- This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For this role Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.
Behaviours you’ll be assessed on
This advert says the panel will score you against these behaviours at Grade 7 level. Each one links to worked examples.
Job description
In this role you will apply AI, machine learning and systems biology approaches to advance biological discovery, developing predictive and interpretable models that analyse complex biological data and identify key genes, pathways and cellular responses. Working closely with research scientists, you will generate biological hypotheses, design and validate model-informed experiments, and continuously refine models to improve biological understanding.
Qualifications
Graduate degree in a relevant subject area
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Selection process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
Sifting will take place week commencing the 4th January 2027 with interviews to be arranged for the week commencing 08th February 2027 at Dstl Porton Down.
Your interview will consist of behavioural and technical competency based questions. You will also be required to deliver a 10 minute presentation. Further details for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview. At interview we will pose a scientific question the candidate will be asked to work through.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Practise before you apply
Civil Service panels score every answer against the Success Profiles behaviours at Grade 7 level. Practise STAR answers and get them marked against the same framework.
3 free questions · No card needed
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