At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in cancer genomics and long-read sequencing data analysis.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leading research institute on the Wellcome Genome Campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive stipend, flexible working, and generous time off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in genomic medicine while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in life sciences with strong programming skills in Python and R.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a supportive community for professional growth.
About the Group
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 also leads the development of novel approaches for early cancer detection using long‑read sequencing.
Position Overview
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the fields of early detection, cancer genomics, and long‑read sequencing data analysis. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to gain in‑depth knowledge and expertise in genomic medicine and long‑read sequencing data analysis.
Responsibilities and Project Scope
- Lead the development of scalable and creative computational solutions for sequencing data analysis.
- The project involves 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.
- You shall lead your own project while collaborating with national and international partners.
- Great freedom is offered to design novel algorithms and explore independent hypotheses with close interaction with our clinical and wet‑lab collaborators.
Qualifications
- 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 developing reproducible data‑analysis pipelines using version control software
Preferred Experience
- Background in cancer biology
- Experience in long‑read sequencing data analysis
Additional Details
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 ÂŁ3,383 per month after tax.
Professional Development Support
The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL 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.
Why Join Us
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.
Benefits
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Closing Date: 07/12/2025
Post Doc - Isidro Cortes-Ciriano Group employer: European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
Contact Detail:
European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Post Doc - Isidro Cortes-Ciriano Group
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current and former members of the Cortes-Ciriano group or similar fields. A friendly chat can give you insights into the team culture and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-project or presentation that highlights your experience in computational genomics or long-read sequencing. This can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your research ideas! Think about how you can contribute to the group's work on early cancer detection. Having a few innovative ideas up your sleeve can impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at EMBL-EBI.
We think you need these skills to ace Post Doc - Isidro Cortes-Ciriano Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in computational biology and cancer genomics. We want to see your passion for the field, so don’t hold back on sharing why you’re excited about this opportunity with us.
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to showcase your analytical and programming skills, especially in Python and R. Highlight any publications or projects that demonstrate your expertise in computational genomics. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Get Those Recommendations Ready: Don’t forget to line up two strong letters of recommendation! Choose referees who can speak to your research abilities and collaborative spirit. A good recommendation can really make your application stand out to us.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our online system. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in cancer genomics and long-read sequencing. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects the Cortes-Ciriano group is working on, as this will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical and programming skills in detail. Be ready to share examples of your previous work, especially any publications or projects related to computational biology or cancer genomics. This will demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to their research.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The role involves collaboration with various partners, so be prepared to discuss past experiences where you successfully worked with others, particularly in a research setting.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the group's current research and future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the group aligns with your career goals. Questions about their approach to early cancer detection or the use of high-throughput sequencing data could be great conversation starters.