Research Associate Bioinformatics (Fixed Term)
Are you passionate about driving breakthroughs in breast cancer research? Join our team at the Precision Breast Cancer Institute (PBCI), led by Professor Jean Abraham, and make a real impact on beating breast cancer. We're seeking a talented and highly motivated bioinformatician to revolutionise patient care and advance our world-class breast cancer research.
As a bioinformatician, you'll play a pivotal role in analysing large-scale genomic and clinical data, applying cutting-edge algorithms, and collaborating with renowned experts in the field. At PBCI, we believe in fostering a collaborative and encouraging work environment. We value teamwork, respect, and open communication, creating a space where ideas thrive and individuals flourish. Together, we'll support and inspire one another as we work towards our shared goal of improving breast cancer treatments and outcomes.
Key responsibilities and duties:
- Process, analyse, and interpret high volumes of data as part of the Personalised Breast Cancer Programme and other scientific studies. Develop automated methods and software to support large-scale bioinformatics analysis.
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, biologists, and computational scientists to develop advanced algorithms and models.
- Research and validate potential biomarkers associated with breast cancer progression, treatment response, or patient outcomes, using bioinformatics tools and statistical approaches (including methods appropriate for longitudinal data).
- Contribute to therapeutic target validation by integrating genetic data and bioinformatics approaches to identify risk factors and potential treatments for breast cancer.
- Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.
Requirements and qualifications:
- A PhD in a quantitative subject (e.g. Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Epidemiology, Health Data Science or similar).*
- Expertise in processing large genomic datasets. Experience in cancer research, including a working understanding of computational approaches for cancer genome analysis being particularly advantageous.
- Strong programming skills (e.g. Bash, R, Python) and knowledge of bioinformatics tools.
- An interest in the statistical analysis of epidemiological and genomic datasets.
- Passion for translating data into actionable insights, directly impacting patient outcomes.
Benefits
- Join a vibrant and collaborative research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities, extensive datasets, and state-of-the-art technologies.
- Contribute to a programme that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on breast cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
- Showcase your research findings through publications, conferences, and collaborations, establishing a strong foundation for a successful scientific career.
- Ample career development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package from the University of Cambridge commensurate with academic standards, providing support for your professional growth.
- Opportunity for hybrid working through a blend of remote and office working.
Join us in our mission to develop clinically useful algorithms, drive high-impact publications, and pave the way for personalised breast cancer treatments. Analyse data from cutting-edge technologies (e.g. matched tumour-normal whole genome sequencing, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of the tumour microenvironment, spatial transcript- and proteomics), collaborate with world-class researchers, and be part of a transformative journey. Apply now and be a catalyst for change in the global fight against breast cancer.
We welcome the opportunity to have a conversation and answer any questions you may have about the position and the PBCI. Please reach out to Prof Jean Abraham (ja344@medschl.cam)) to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 August 2027 in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
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.
Closing date: 20th July 2025 (23:59PM UK)
Interview Date: Week commencing 4th August 2025.
Please quote reference RD46190 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.