The Minderoo Precision Brain Tumour Programme (MPBTP) at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge is a unique clinical research programme that is integrating whole epigenomic, genomic and transcriptomic data into clinical decision making in real time. This novel and exciting UK first will also pioneer the assimilation of sequencing data from liquid biopsy and biopsy samples to diagnose and predict treatment efficacy in brain tumour patients for subsequent precision therapy.
Led by Dr Richard Mair, you will be part of a team of experienced translational genomic scientists that will be exploring large complex multi-omic datasets. There will be close collaboration with bioinformaticians based at the CRUK Cambridge Institute and clinical scientists based in the NHS East GLH through a weekly genomics tumour advisory board meeting. We have now recruited >150 patients into the study and are progressing to the next 200 over the next year in conjunction with the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. The role holder will be involved in helping to define the road map for whole genome sequencing in brain cancer nationally over the next 2 years.
The role will include the analysis of novel multi-region patient-derived datasets, integration with patient-derived cell line and xenograft datasets and the analysis of cell-free DNA (liquid biopsies) obtained from these patients. The role holder will be integrated into the research activities of the group as a whole and will be expected to contribute their own ideas. There will be opportunities to undertake independent research in the context of the general research area of the group.
We are seeking to recruit an outstanding scientist educated to Degree/Masters or equivalent level of experience in a scientific/ mathematics discipline, experience in next generation sequencing data analysis in the field of cancer genomics are essential. A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, cancer genomics or closely related fields is desirable. The successful candidate will play a key role in a large-scale project for diagnosis and treatment stratification of brain tumours, funded by generous grant from Minderoo and supported by the University of Cambridge and the NHS. In addition, the post-holder would be expected to provide analysis support for other researchers in the lab, help develop novel analysis approaches and translate into robust software packages. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience of machine learning and data integration approaches for analysis of methylation and genomic sequencing data, and for the Senior Bioinformatics Analyst role, a demonstrated track record of independent leadership of computational biology projects. Demonstrated experience in the development of statistical methods for robust and reproducible data analysis would be an advantage. You will be a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills and who is extremely organised. You will be able to work independently and interact well in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Closing date: 5th June 2023
Interview date: To be confirmed
Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference SW36711 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.