Post Title: Research Associate

Project Title: Genomics of chromosomal instability

Title: Research Associate (Markowetz Group) – Fixed Term 2 years

Category: Research

Salary: £33,309 – £40,927

The Markowetz lab at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the genomics of chromosomal instability. This is an opportunity for an ambitious scientist to lead the development of computational methods to understand the causes of chromosomal instability and best ways to exploit them, and to closely interact with experimentalists in the lab in an iterative computational-experimental cycle. The project is an extension of the copy number signatures developed in Drews et al, Nature (2022) and funded by an ERC Advanced Grant.

The Markowetz lab is a mixed computational/experimental lab with a strong track record in machine learning working on a broad range of topics in cancer genomics and imaging. It offers a supportive and diverse environment (see: Markowetz, ‘You are not working for me, I am working with you’, PLoS Comp Bio 2015) and has been a jumping board for many successful careers in academia, industry, and spin-out companies. Alumni had the independence to build on their projects to become CEOs or faculty at first class institutions.

The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, a joint Institute by Cancer Research UK and the University of Cambridge, is situated in the centre of the Addenbrooke’s Biomedical Campus in Cambridge. As part of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, the Institute’s research ranges from basic cancer biology through translational cancer research to clinical application. The Institute currently houses over 350 researchers and support staff with 20 research groups. It provides a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment in cancer research, with state-of-the-art facilities and core scientific resources, and good links with the scientific community of Cambridge.

Key responsibilities

The postdoc will work closely together with researchers in the Markowetz lab and local collaborators.

Investigate research questions and develop specific research project(s) under guidance from Group Leader

Develop academic independence

Be proactive in innovation and problem solving, improve established protocols, develop new protocols

Provide specialist advice, guidance and supervision to colleagues

Will use version control, container and package management systems, and workflow managers.

Will work transparently and reproducibly by principles of Open Science

Will provide technical day to day supervision to PhD students working in the same area
Share knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others

Make decision on own work and maybe that of others in the Group

Receive some supervision, but organise and prioritise own work

Make a significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication

Present findings to group members and other internal audiences

Present research externally at international meetings

Author papers under guidance from the Group Leader

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

Closing Date: 7 August 2022

Interview Date: TBC

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.