Research Associate at University College London

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 300 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. 

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is the most common germ line disorder occurring in approximately 1 in 2,500 of the population. Affected individuals develop multiple benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours, neurofibromas.  A proportion of these neurofibromas undergo malignant transformation into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs).  The evolutionary mechanisms which underpin this transformation have not been studied in a systematic manner and are therefore poorly understood. There is a clear unmet need to identify the responsible factors in order to understand the biology of these tumours and develop appropriate biomarkers for prognosis.

To advance this research question, an international consortium of expert geneticists, pathologists, oncologists and scientists has been formed to study the biology of these tumours using genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics.

As a key member of the consortium, our laboratory will be studying the evolutionary patterns of these tumours at a genomic and epigenomic level. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team based at the UCL Cancer Institute and work in close collaboration with the Cancer Genomics group at the Francis Crick Institute.

The successful candidate will be the lead bioinformatician for this project and will join a multidisciplinary team comprising clinician and basic scientists, and bioinformaticians to interrogate genomic datasets from complex and heterogeneous peripheral nerve sheath tumours obtained from up to 100 patients collected over space and time.

Duties and responsibilities of the post holder include but are not limited to: lead the bioinformatic and statistical analysis of whole genomes and targeted DNA sequencing data of multiple samples from up to a 100 patients, to engage closely with members of Peter Van Loo’s Cancer Genomics group at the Francis Crick Institute, to prepare and present findings regularly of research activity to colleagues for review purposes, to undertake a limited amount of teaching in relation to subject area.

The post is initially funded until 2020 in the first instance.

The successful candidate must have a PhD (or be studying towards it) in biological sciences, demonstrate knowledge of cancer biology, experience in programming (Python, Matlab, R, C++ etc); experience in writing of papers and grant applications, competency in advanced statistical and complex trait analyses are also among essential criteria.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £30,316-£31,967 per annum)with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

UCL vacancy reference: 1740393       

Applicants should apply online. To access further details about the position and how to apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button below.

For enquiries regarding the application process please contact Laime Matkeviciute (HR Assistant), l.matkeviciute@ucl.ac.uk .

Closing Date: 8 September 2018

Latest time for the submission of applications: 23.59.

Interview Date: TBC

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