Senior Research Officer

We are seeking a researcher with experience in bioinformatics of DNA sequencing data analysis and machine learning to join a dynamic laboratory to work on the development of new methods for cancer diagnostics.

The project funded by Bowel Cancer UK is devoted to cancer diagnostics based on nucleosomics analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from blood plasma (so-called liquid biopsies). We aim to develop a method that can identify colorectal cancer at a very early stage by using a simple blood test. Our test is based on the analysis of DNA which is released from cancer cells into the blood stream. When cancer (and normal) cells die, their DNA is cut into pieces and released into the blood. This happens all the time and is a normal process. We will extract these DNA fragments from blood and with the help of powerful computer algorithms will detect changes in mathematical patterns that define whether someone has cancer.

In this job role you will be developing bioinformatics scripts in R and Python, performing bash programming on the Linux computer cluster, dealing with third-party bioinformatics software and collaborating with our computational and wet lab researchers.

The School of Life Sciences (University of Essex) provides access to a high-performance computer cluster and extensive molecular biology facilities.

Skills and qualifications required

The successful candidate will hold a relevant doctoral level degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Sciences, Machine Learning or related subjects, or equivalent research or industry experience.

You will have the ability and willingness to complement and enhance the research project/department/school’s education and research strengths and areas of planned development. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, good organisational and time management skills are all essential to this post.

As part of the process and to be successful you will be required to demonstrate how you your research has been impactful within and beyond the academic sphere, recognising the importance of this and the effect it will have on the University.

The University of Essex is a campus based University and all academic appointments are made with the expectation that you will be present on campus to fulfil the requirements of your position. At the time of a job offer, the possibility of hybrid working, will be discussed and considered on an individual basis, but you will be required to be based within the UK

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here. Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk. 

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