At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research inflammation's role in colorectal cancer therapy resistance.
- Company: Be part of the Barts Cancer Institute, a leader in innovative cancer research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 30 days leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while collaborating with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in biological or computational sciences with experience in genomics data required.
- Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements and committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About the Role
We are seeking a postdoctoral research assistant to join the group of Dr Mirjana Efremova in the Centre for Cancer Evolution, to work on a CRUK funded project to investigate the role of inflammation on therapy resistance in colorectal cancer. Our lab is focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms promoting metastasis and therapy resistance in colorectal cancer. We use single-cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics data from patient samples and patient-derived organoids (Ogden et al., Cell Genomics 2025, Efremova et al. Nature; Efremova et al., Cell Reports) and develop computational methods (Efremova et al. Nature Protocols, 2020; Jain et al., Genome Biology).
About You
PhD in a biological or computational subject and background in working with genomics data.
About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) is a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence whose work aims to transform the lives of those with and at risk of cancer through innovative research in the laboratory, in patients and in populations. BCI is internationally renowned in many areas of cancer research and it combines ground-breaking basic research with the expertise of clinicians and clinician scientists from the Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine and the Barts NHS Trust to achieve improvements in cancer patient care. BCI is also a partner in the CRUK City of London Major Centre (together with UCL, Kings and the Francis Crick Institute) which is a Centre of Excellence in Biotherapeutics. BCI is committed in supporting and developing future cancer researchers through its extensive postgraduate training.
About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.
Throughout our history, we\’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it\’s simply \’the right thing to do\’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.
We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.
Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days\’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.
Queen Mary\’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.
Closing Date
29/07/2025, 23:55
Postdoctoral Research Associate employer: Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London
Contact Detail:
Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in colorectal cancer, particularly studies related to inflammation and therapy resistance. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of Dr Mirjana Efremova's lab or the Barts Cancer Institute. They can provide insights into the lab culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application and potential interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your computational skills by discussing relevant projects or experiences where you've worked with genomics data. Be prepared to explain your methodologies and how they relate to the techniques used in the lab, such as single-cell multiomics.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your interactions with the team. Queen Mary values diverse perspectives, so sharing your thoughts on how you can contribute to this environment can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Highlight your relevant experience in genomics data and any related research projects.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your PhD background and any experience with single-cell multiomics or spatial transcriptomics. Emphasise your computational skills and any publications that relate to cancer research.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your research interests with the goals of the Centre for Cancer Evolution. Mention how your expertise aligns with Dr Mirjana Efremova's work and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the project.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, proofread all documents for clarity and correctness. Ensure that you follow the submission guidelines provided by the institution and submit your application through the StudySmarter website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with Dr Mirjana Efremova's work and the specific project on inflammation and therapy resistance in colorectal cancer. Being able to discuss her publications and how your background aligns with the research will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your PhD work and any experience you have with genomics data, single-cell multiomics, or spatial transcriptomics. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied computational methods in your previous research.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
The role is within a collaborative environment, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Highlight instances where you contributed to group projects or collaborated with clinicians, as this will resonate well with the institute's focus on interdisciplinary research.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's current projects, future directions, and the culture at Barts Cancer Institute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.