At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore cancer evolution and metastasis using cutting-edge bioinformatics techniques.
- Company: Join the UCL Cancer Institute, a leader in cancer research at University College London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funding for 2 years, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to innovative datasets and technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cancer therapies and work with top scientists in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD or working towards one, with strong research and presentation skills.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World's leading universities. The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. It fosters links between basic cancer researchers across Biomedicine and with the clinical activities of our four partner hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners, as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK.
We are seeking a collaborative and self‑motivated computational biologist post‑doc to work on cancer evolution, metastatic migration, tumour plasticity, the tumour microenvironment and drug resistance. The project will focus on exploiting novel sequencing data to explore cancer evolution and metastasis – identifying the key genetic and non‑genetic features that govern metastatic spread across the body. The candidate will be expected to develop and make use of bioinformatics techniques to shed light on the extent of intra‑tumour heterogeneity, mode of tumour evolution and nature of evolutionary dynamics. Among other datasets, analysis will include utilizing next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data from the LUMES lung cancer metastasis programme. This will involve novel long‑read sequencing data, spatial transcriptomics, single cell DNA sequencing and circulating biomarkers.
The starting salary is contingent on the candidate’s previous experience. Appointment at Grade 7 or 8 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD and subsequent experience; if not, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. The post is funded for 2 years in the first instance.
Prospective candidates must have a postdoctoral qualification (PhD) or be studying toward a PhD, evidence of independence and original contributions to research, and good presentation skills (to internal and external audiences, including international conferences). For appointment at Grade 8 prospective candidates must have previous postdoctoral experience and prior experience with the exploration of spatial‑omic data.
(Senior) Research Fellow / Computational Biologist – Cancer Evolution Scientist in London employer: UCL
The UCL Cancer Institute offers an exceptional work environment for researchers passionate about cancer evolution and treatment. With access to cutting-edge resources and collaboration with leading hospitals and research institutions, employees benefit from a vibrant culture of innovation and support for professional growth. The Institute's commitment to impactful research and its location in one of the world's top universities make it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful contributions to cancer science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Research Fellow / Computational Biologist – Cancer Evolution Scientist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to researchers and professionals in the cancer research field, especially those connected to UCL. Attend conferences or seminars where you can meet them in person and chat about your interests in computational biology.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work, especially any projects related to cancer evolution or bioinformatics. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your research experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the role at UCL.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Research Fellow / Computational Biologist – Cancer Evolution Scientist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in computational biology and cancer research. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about cancer evolution and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Research Impact:When detailing your research experience, focus on the impact of your work. We’re interested in how your contributions have advanced knowledge in the field or led to practical applications. Highlight any publications or presentations that demonstrate your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the UCL Cancer Institute family. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in cancer evolution and the specific projects at the UCL Cancer Institute. Familiarise yourself with their recent publications and how your work aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with bioinformatics techniques and any relevant sequencing data analysis you've conducted. Be ready to provide examples of how you've tackled challenges in your previous research, especially related to tumour microenvironments or drug resistance.
✨Practice Your Presentation
Since good presentation skills are crucial, rehearse explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present your past research or a hypothetical project, so practice makes perfect! Tailor your explanations to suit both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future directions of the UCL Cancer Institute. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
