Senior Scientist - Translational Genomics, Translational Medicine in Newtown

The Translational Medicine Genomics Lab focuses on the exploratory analysis of clinical samples using the best available solutions to maximize value for oncology projects. Our work includes the analysis of fixed and frozen tissues, liquid biopsy material, and single cell and spatial genomics. We provide support via a mix of in-house lab analyses, external providers, and collaborators. We generate data to help understand key cancer pathway alterations, guide drug combinations, provide disease linkage data to guide indication selection and targeted patient populations, and understand the dynamics of response and resistance to therapies. This role will have a strong focus on hands-on laboratory work.

You will be responsible for the planning, design, and execution of high-quality experimental work and documenting, interpreting, and communicating results to appropriate stakeholders and partners. You will be able to work independently but also as a key member of our global team of genomics and data science experts.

• Work with UK and Global genomics colleagues, Project Managers and Translational Medicine Leads (TMLs) to understand the genomic biomarker needs of clinical studies.
• Plan, prioritise, and execute work to biomarker plans exploiting the most appropriate technologies/assays to deliver high quality data on time and to budget.
• Work with Translational, Clinical, Biosamples colleagues, and CRO partners, to access the right samples at the right time.
• Lead from the bench to generate data in a modern genomics lab utilising Automation, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, NGS, single cell, and other platforms.
• Utilise a sample management system and other software and communication tools to track samples, monitor progress, and record data.
• Work with team members and aligned production informatics and bioinformatics experts to support data analysis/QC, interpretation and communication back to TML, project team and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to maintenance and development of our internal genomics capabilities and development & implementation of new genomic/epigenomic assays or related technologies.
• Support colleagues to train in existing and new SOPs.
• As required - conceptualize, develop, and execute evaluations of methods, platforms, and emerging technologies which may address areas of unmet need for programmes.
• Provide technical advice and genomic biomarker consultation to internal and external partners.
• Record and communicate your data accurately, clearly and concisely.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, be compliant with all internal and external policies and legal requirements around use of clinical samples, consent, and privacy.

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (preferably PhD or equivalent) and at least 4 years post-doctoral experience (or equivalent) utilizing advanced molecular biology techniques (academic or industrial setting); recent/current experience greatly preferred.
• Experience of cancer genomics and analysis of oncology clinical specimens.
• Strong current laboratory and analytical skills.
• Evidence of effective problem-solving, method development and optimisation.
• Ability to understand and work to detailed SOPs and to author and troubleshoot new SOPs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to document work clearly, concisely, and understand and describe its importance to others.
• Good organisational and planning skills, ability to manage a portfolio of work, prioritise, and deliver to agreed time and quality.
• Good interpersonal skills - able to work effectively with colleagues/collaborators from diverse backgrounds, levels of seniority, and territories.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ability to document results to a high standard.

• Peer-reviewed publications in the cancer biology/cancer genomics field.
• Experience working in a commercial/industrial environment.
• Working with DNA/RNA from human clinical materials such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, frozen tissues, plasma (circulating cell-free DNA/cfDNA).
• Hands-on laboratory experience preparing DNA/RNA libraries, targeted NGS, and running NGS platforms.
• Experience in single cell genomics and/or spatial genomics (e.g. 10x, Parse, GeoMx DSP).

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Translational Genomics team (Cambridge, U.K.) on a fixed term basis. The successful candidate would be joining a world class centre for discovery and development of innovative cancer medicines. Based at the heart of the Cambridge UK biomedical research community you will play a key role in the delivery of data utilising cutting edge genomics techniques. You will deliver high quality biomarker data from human clinical samples and have the opportunity to impact an exciting and industry-leading portfolio of programs from inception through to life cycle management.