Post Doc - Isidro Cortes-Ciriano Group

Organisation/Company EMBL-EBI – European Bioinformatics Institute Research Field Biological sciences Biological sciences » Biology Medical sciences » Medicine Technology » Biotechnology Computer science Mathematics » Statistics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 7 Dec 2025 – 21:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Cortes-Ciriano group studies the mutational processes and mechanisms of genome instability underpinning tumourigenesis, immune escape, and drug response through the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data from clinical samples. The group is also leading the development of novel approaches for early cancer detection using long-read sequencing. More information about the group can be found here .

Isidro Cortés-Ciriano joined EMBL-EBI as Research Group Leader in June 2019 after completing postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, under the supervision of Prof. Peter Park, and at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Andreas Bender. Isidro completed his PhD at the Pasteur Institute in 2015, after obtaining MSc degrees in biology and biochemistry (major in bioinformatics) from the University of Navarra.

Your role

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the fields of early detection, cancer genomics and long-read sequencing data analysis. We are looking for an intrinsically motivated, talented, and hypothesis-driven individual with experience in analysing high-throughput sequencing data sets. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in genomic medicine and long-read sequencing data analysis.

You will be expected to lead the development of scalable and creative computational solutions for sequencing data analysis. Specifically, your project will involve developing computational methods for analysing a unique collection of hundreds of long-read whole-genome sequencing data sets from human tumours and cell-free DNA samples spanning multiple cancer types, including adult and paediatric tumours. It is essential that you are dedicated to lead your own project while also being a team player and willing to engage with our national and international collaborators.

You will enjoy substantial freedom (if desired) to design novel algorithms and to explore your own hypotheses. Your project will benefit from close interactions with our clinical and wet-lab collaborators.

You have

• PhD degree in the life sciences (preferably computational biology, genomics, statistics, or a similar field);
• Strong analytical and programming skills (preferably in python and R);
• Significant experience in computational genomics (ideally in cancer genomics) as evidenced by publication record;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other group members and external collaborators;
• Proficient communication skills in both written and spoken English;
• Experience in Unix-based environments, high-performance computing and the development of reproducible data analysis pipelines using version control software.

You may also have

• Background in cancer biology;
• Experience in long-read sequencing data analysis is desired.

Other information

• At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. Our research teams spend 4 days working from the office, in our new Thornton Building;
• If you are interested please submit a cover letter/motivation letter, CV and 2 letters of recommendation to be uploaded as part of your application.

Contract length: 2 years (funded by grant)
Salary: Monthly stipend of £3,383 per month after tax

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

Why join us
Join a culture of innovation:

We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances;
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns;
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family;
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays;
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely);
• Family benefits: On-site nursery (Heidelberg & Hinxton), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances;
• Benefits for non-residents: Visa and financial support to relocate if you\’re overseas.

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants ;
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities;
• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you;
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here ;
• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date below.