Research Fellow – Bioinformatics – Extrachromosomal DNA and tumour evolution Scientist – (2 Positions) Part-time

Research Fellow – Bioinformatics

We are seeking a collaborative and self-motivated bioinformatician post-doctoral fellow to work on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in a vibrant and highly collegiate environment. EcDNA are circular genomic structures that can drive ultra-high copy number amplification and correlate with poor clinical outcomes, yet their evolution, detection, and targeting remain largely unclear. This project aims to analyse ecDNA evolution over time using single-cell RNA/ATAC sequencing and to develop a ctDNA-based approach for detecting and monitoring ecDNA to support biomarker and treatment development. The project will leverage existing whole genome sequencing data from multi-region matched primary and metastatic tumours from the TRACERx lung cancer evolution and PEACE research autopsy programmes and will be part of the eDyNAmiC Cancer Grand Challenge.

The position is fixed term for 2 years.

The successful applicant should have a proven track record of publications, have previous experience with genomics data analysis, be fluent in at least one of the following programming languages: C++, Python or R, and will have strong skills in the field of genomics and desirably one or more of the following: tumour biology, ctDNA/ blood-based biomarkers, evolutionary biology, statistics and mathematics. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the 'Why you have applied for this role' field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.