Research Associate

Role Description

Hull York Medical School

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cancer Immunogenomics

Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with experience in genomics/transcriptomics/bioinformatics to lead an exciting cancer immunology project funded by Cancer Research UK in the group of Professor Dimitris Lagos (https://www.hyms.ac.uk/about/people/dimitris-lagos). The project will generate a substantial amount of RNA sequencing data to explore the concept of cancer transcriptome instability as a determinant of tumour immunotherapy outcomes using long-read RNA sequencing platforms. The post-holder should have experience with transcriptomics/genomics bioinformatics analysis pipelines and be comfortable working in the UNIX environment. The post will be a springboard for development of further skills in cancer genomics and bioinformatics. There will also be the opportunity to gain experience in end-to-end pipelines starting from sample generation followed by sequencing, data processing and analysis, and interpretation.

The project aims to address long-standing questions in kidney cancer and discover determinants of positive responses to cancer immunotherapy. The work will be supported by available expertise in the group (see Lee et al., Genome Research, 2024) and excellent core facilities including the York Genomics core and Data Science Hub. Clinical input and samples will be provided by our collaborators at St James's University Hospital in Leeds and the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Francis Crick Institute in London. Existing links with the national immunotherapy research platform (https://www.manifest-io.org.uk) and industrial partners (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) will provide further opportunities for networking and career development.

Familiarity with current concepts in cancer biology and cancer immunology, and strong interest in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation would be highly desirable. Experience with dry-lab approaches is essential. Wet-lab experience is desirable but there will be opportunities to gain relevant skills while on post as necessary.

We place huge value and have a strong track record in professional development of our lab members. Support will be provided through strong mentoring, integration within the greater research community, and access to appropriate training opportunities.

The role is available on a fixed term basis for up to 36 months.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A PhD in a relevant area (e.g. Genomics/Bioinformatics, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Post-transcriptional gene regulation)
• Experience with bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of large omics datasets (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics)
• Experience with the Unix operating system and working knowledge of R or Python
• Good communication skills, attention to detail and commitment to high quality
• Positive attitude to colleagues and students and a willingness to work proactively
• Commitment to personal development and values of equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Experience in wet-lab techniques is desirable but not necessary

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Dimitris Lagos on dimitris.lagos@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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