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 a top university.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, funding for 2 years, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with access to innovative datasets and technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cancer therapies and collaborate with top scientists.
- 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 (University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK. Further information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website here.
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 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 within 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to researchers and professionals in the cancer research field. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, especially those related to computational biology and cancer evolution. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the latest trends in cancer research and bioinformatics. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We regularly update our job listings, so keep an eye out for positions that match your expertise and interests. Your dream job might just be a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Research Fellow / Computational Biologist – Cancer Evolution Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cancer Research:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cancer research shine through! We want to see how your background and interests align with our mission at the UCL Cancer Institute. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your commitment to advancing cancer therapies.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in computational biology and any projects related to cancer evolution or metastasis. We love seeing how your unique skills can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our institute there.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the specific projects at the UCL Cancer Institute. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with their focus on cancer evolution and metastasis, and think about how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with bioinformatics techniques and any relevant tools you've used, especially those related to next-generation sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Bring examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the UCL Cancer Institute’s mission and recent publications. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their work and how you see yourself fitting into their collaborative environment. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in their research.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could be about their current research projects, the team dynamics, or future directions for the institute. It demonstrates your interest and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
