Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering team to explore DNA damage and mutagenesis through innovative research.
- Company: Institute of Genetics and Cancer, known for its collaborative and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for international collaboration.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and networking opportunities within the Cancer Grand Challenge community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while working with leading experts globally.
- Qualifications: PhD in molecular biology or related field; experience in machine learning and nucleic acid manipulation.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.
Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum pro-rata if part-time
Institute of Genetics and Cancer
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: for 24 months in the first instance
The Opportunity
Cancer Grand Challenges – from DNA damage to the mechanisms of mutagenesis. We are looking to employ a post-doctoral researcher to join the group of Professor Martin Taylor at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), working to understand the mechanisms that drive mutagenesis. In this post you will be a key member of the international Cancer Grand Challenges CAUSE team mechanistically relating DNA damage to the mutations it generates. This is pioneering research in a highly collaborative international team embedded within a well-supported, collegiate and enthusiastic research group.
Responsibilities
- This specific role will drive the development and application of technologies to detect and map DNA damage and modifications within the human genome.
- You will produce DNA sequencing libraries containing known non-canonical nucleotides for training machine learning models in the decoding of primary DNA sequencing data.
- You will develop, refine and validate the machine learning approaches for the probabilistic detection and quantification of non-canonical nucleotides.
- ONT Nanopore and PacBio HiFi sequencing will be the primary initial platforms for data generation and model training. Knowledge and experience of these platforms would be an advantage.
- The successful candidate will have ownership of projects and work closely with experts in biochemistry, high-accuracy mutation detection and the analysis of mass-spectrometry data.
Collaborations and Opportunities
The post holder will have many opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborative working both within the IGC and with CAUSE partners based at the Sanger Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Harvard University, University of San Diego and University of Minnesota. The wider Cancer Grand Challenge community will also provide excellent opportunities for training, professional and network development.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in molecular biology or a related discipline for appointment at Research Associate level. Applicants close to completion of their PhDs will also be considered where experience is directly relevant. Experience in molecular biology and nucleic acid manipulation, and experience in the training of machine learning models on time-series-like data, are required.
14103 - Post-Doctoral Research Associate employer: University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 14103 - Post-Doctoral Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of molecular biology and genetics. Attend conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to researchers at the IGC or associated institutions. You never know who might have a lead on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with DNA sequencing and machine learning models. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also give you a chance to discuss your work in detail during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors who are familiar with the research landscape. Focus on articulating your past projects and how they relate to the role at the IGC, especially your experience with ONT Nanopore and PacBio HiFi sequencing.
✨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 you’ll be part of a community that values collaboration and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace 14103 - Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in molecular biology and machine learning. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this research area and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working with an international team, highlight any previous collaborative projects you've been part of. We love seeing how you work with others to achieve common goals!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials and can review them properly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in DNA damage and mutagenesis. Familiarise yourself with Professor Martin Taylor's work and the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with ONT Nanopore and PacBio HiFi sequencing. If you’ve worked on machine learning models, bring examples of how you’ve applied these techniques to real-world data. Highlighting specific projects can demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role involves working closely with a diverse team, so be ready to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in multidisciplinary teams, especially in high-pressure environments. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a collegiate atmosphere.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the research group, ongoing projects, and future directions. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to the team’s success and growth.