Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Inequities - Cortés-Ciriano Group

The Cortes-Ciriano group studies the mutational processes and mechanisms of genome instability underpinning tumourigenesis, immune escape, and drug response through the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data from clinical samples. The group is also leading the development of novel approaches for early cancer detection using long-read sequencing. More information about the group can be found here.

Your role
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the field of Cancer Inequities as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges team SAMBAI (funded by CRUK and the NIH - Award reference 1 OT2 CA297567). We are looking for an intrinsically motivated, talented, and hypothesis-driven individual with experience in analysing high-throughput sequencing data sets and a passion for cancer inequities research.

This position represents a unique opportunity for individuals looking to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in the study of the multifactorial basis of cancer inequities in the context of the Cancer Grand Challenge team SAMBAI, which involves world-leading investigators in this field and offers unparalleled opportunities for career development and growth. Working as part of the genomics analysis team of SAMBAI, you will interact with numerous researchers in the UK, US and Africa. More information about team SAMBAI can be found here: https://cancergrandchallenges.org/teams/sambai

You will be expected to lead the development of scalable and creative computational solutions for sequencing data analysis with a strong focus on developing methods applicable in limited-resource settings and compatible with real-world clinical samples. Specifically, your project will involve developing computational methods for analysing a unique collection of thousands of short and long-read whole-genome sequencing data sets from breast, pancreatic and prostate tumours. A major aim of this role is to integrate social determinants of health, exposomics, germline genetics, tumour genomics and immune profiling data sets to decode the relative contribution and interactions of these factors to cancer inequities in underserved populations of African descent. Thus, it is essential that you are dedicated to lead your own project while also being a team player and willing to engage with our national and international collaborators.

You have
- PhD degree in the life sciences (preferably computational biology, genomics, statistics, or a similar field)
- Insatiable passion for Cancer Inequities research
- Strong analytical and programming skills (preferably in python and R)
- Significant experience in computational genomics (ideally in cancer genomics) as evidenced by publication record

Benefits and Contract Information
- Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £260, monthly child allowance of £314 per child. Generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays
- Relocation package
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
- Family benefits: On-site nursery, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
- Contract duration: This position is a 2 year grant based contract
- Salary: UK Equivalent £48,613.00 (Total package will be dependant on family circumstances)
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.
- Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.
- DORA - EMBL is a signatory of DORA and is committed to hiring and training outstanding research, service, and administrative personnel.

- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other group members and external collaborators
- Proficient communication skills in both written and spoken English
- Experience in Unix-based environments, high-performance computing and the development of reproducible data analysis pipelines using version control software
- Data science skills, such as visualisation of complex data sets

You might also have
- Experience in long-read sequencing data analysis is desired but not required