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- Tasks: Join a team investigating genetic links to cancer, performing data analysis and contributing to publications.
- Company: Be part of the University of Cambridge, a leading institution in public health and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while developing your analytical skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant fields and experience in GWAS or genetic analyses preferred.
- Other info: Position starts from October 2025; applications close on 26th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position working with Dr Xiaomeng Zhang at the Centre for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge.
The postholder will contribute to a project investigating the genetic association between benign diseases or precursor lesions and cancer in the breast and lung. In this role, the postholder will be responsible for:
- Accessing data from Biobanks, performing quality control, and conducting Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analyses and subsequent analyses using established pipelines.
- Assist with sequencing data analysis and conduct meta-analysis for pathogenic variants across multiple datasets.
- Supporting the interpretation of results and contributing to the writing of manuscripts for publication.
The role is ideally suited to candidates with quantitative and analytical skills and a Master\’s degree (or near completion) in fields such as Cancer Epidemiology, Health Data Science, or a related field. Relevant experience in GWAS analyses, Genetic correlation analyses and Whole-genome(exome) sequencing analyses is highly desirable. Applicants should have statistical skills (e.g., having knowledge of R or Python), along with writing, presentation and communication abilities. Prior experience working with computing clusters or remote servers is desirable.
The fund would be available from 1st October 2025 at the earliest, for 12 months in the first instance.
This is a full-time position, but applications of no less than 0.8 FTE will be considered.
Location – Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Xiaomeng Zhang ( xz470@medschl.cam.ac.uk )
Closing date: 26th August 2025
Interview Date: 12th September 2025
Click the \’Apply\’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference RS46877 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
For information about how your personal data is used as an applicant, please see the section on Applicant Data \’ Human Resources on our HR web pages #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term) employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in cancer genetic epidemiology. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your skills in R or Python, as these are crucial for the analyses you'll be conducting. Consider working on a small project or two to demonstrate your proficiency and confidence with these tools.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant seminars or workshops. This can provide insights into current trends and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with GWAS and sequencing data analysis in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of your work and how it relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure to specifically address how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the Research Assistant position. Highlight your quantitative and analytical skills, as well as any relevant experience in GWAS analyses or genetic epidemiology.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous work or projects related to cancer epidemiology, health data science, or similar fields. Include details about your experience with statistical software like R or Python, and any work with computing clusters or remote servers.
Include Referees: When listing your referees, ensure that one is your most recent line manager. Provide their email address and phone number, as this information is crucial for the application process.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Ensure you upload only the requested documents (covering letter and CV) and quote the reference RS46877 in your application and any correspondence regarding the vacancy.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in cancer genetic epidemiology, especially studies related to GWAS and the specific diseases mentioned in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with statistical software like R or Python. Highlight any relevant projects where you've conducted data analysis or worked with computing clusters, as this will show your technical competence for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific tasks, such as performing quality control on biobank data or conducting meta-analyses. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves writing and presenting results, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also demonstrate your ability to convey important findings to a broader audience.
