Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team investigating genetic links to cancer, performing data analysis and contributing to publications.
- Company: Be part of the University of Cambridge, a leading institution in public health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a competitive salary, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while developing your analytical skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have a Master's degree in a related field and strong statistical skills.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position working with Dr Xiaomeng Zhang at the Centre for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge.
The postholder will contribute to a project investigating the genetic association between benign diseases or precursor lesions and cancer in the breast and lung. In this role, the postholder will be responsible for:
- Accessing data from Biobanks, performing quality control, and conducting Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analyses and subsequent analyses using established pipelines.
- Assist with sequencing data analysis and conduct meta-analysis for pathogenic variants across multiple datasets.
- Supporting the interpretation of results and contributing to the writing of manuscripts for publication.
The role is ideally suited to candidates with quantitative and analytical skills and a Master\’s degree (or near completion) in fields such as Cancer Epidemiology, Health Data Science, or a related field. Relevant experience in GWAS analyses, Genetic correlation analyses and Whole-genome(exome) sequencing analyses is highly desirable. Applicants should have statistical skills (e.g., having knowledge of R or Python), along with writing, presentation and communication abilities. Prior experience working with computing clusters or remote servers is desirable.
The fund would be available from 1st October 2025 at the earliest, for 12 months in the first instance.
This is a full-time position, but applications of no less than 0.8 FTE will be considered.
Location – Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Xiaomeng Zhang (xz470@medschl.cam.ac.uk)
Closing date: 26th August 2025
Interview Date: 12th September 2025
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the \’Apply\’ button above.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
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 RS46877 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.
£33,002 to £35,608 per annum
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term) employer: Economicsnetwork
Contact Detail:
Economicsnetwork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in cancer genetic epidemiology. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience with GWAS analyses or work at the University of Cambridge. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections and learn more about the current trends.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your statistical skills, particularly in R or Python. Consider working on small projects or online courses that focus on data analysis in genetics to demonstrate your proficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions for Dr Xiaomeng Zhang about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure your covering letter specifically addresses the criteria outlined in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in GWAS analyses, statistical skills, and any familiarity with R or Python.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles or projects that involved cancer epidemiology, data analysis, or working with biobanks. Be specific about your contributions and the skills you utilised.
Include Referees: When listing your referees, ensure one is your most recent line manager. Provide their email address and phone number to facilitate easy communication for reference checks.
Follow Application Instructions: Adhere strictly to the application guidelines. Upload only the requested documents (covering letter and CV) and quote the reference RS46877 in your application to avoid any issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in cancer genetic epidemiology, particularly studies related to benign diseases and their association with cancer. Being able to discuss recent findings or methodologies will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with GWAS analyses, statistical software like R or Python, and any relevant data analysis techniques. Highlight specific projects where you applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask Dr Xiaomeng Zhang about the project, the team, or the department. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since the role involves writing manuscripts and interpreting results, be ready to discuss your communication style. You might want to share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles or during your studies.
