BACKGROUND

Applications are sought for an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Assistant to undertake genetic and phenotypic investigations into the evolution of Barrett's oesopahagus to cancer using a bioinformatic and modeling strategy. They will work under the supervision of Dr Stuart McDonald, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Clonal Dynamics in Epithelia laboratory, in order to realise the objectives of a Cancer Research UK funded programme grant predicting risk of cancer development in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. This is a multidisciplinary group that includes wet lab scientists, bioinformaticians and clinicians.

Barrett's oesophagus is the major precursor lesion of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) in the UK. OAC has a poor survival rate and Barrett's is common but conversion to cancer is rare (0.3% of patients). All Barrett's patients undergo regular endoscopic surveillance for signs of cancer, which is both invasive and expensive, but there are no prognostic biomarkers available to predict cancer risk therefore surveillance is life-long. We believe that this is because we do not understand the evolution of Barrett's to cancer. We are seeking an experienced post doctoral scientist to investigate how Barrett's glands evolve, investigating the clonal relationships between glands with the intent of developing a predictive model of cancer risk. Experience in bioinformatics and modeling is desirable in order to perform novel analysis of genomic data acquired from a cohort of Barrett's patients followed over time that have or have not progressed to cancer in order to determine evolutionary patterns that can predict cancer risk. The successful candidate will be expected to help drive the direction of the project and develop novel analytical approaches to the research question.

RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for an exceptional bioinformatician to work alongside wet lab scientists to analyse and interpret large scale human genomic and phenotypic data and use this to model the evolutionary pathway to cancer in at-risk Barrett's patients. The successful applicant will be expected to use publicly available datasets to assist with this goal. There will be scope for the successful candidate to develop his or her own research ideas within this programme.
To undertake research investigations in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) in order to realise the objectives and development of the research programme.
To contribute to the overall scientific endeavour of the Centre, and possibly to take responsibility for areas of other projects, as demand requires.
To work as part of the Institute's research team, being mutually supportive and covering duties as necessary during colleagues' absences and at times of additional pressure, as directed

REQUIREMENTS

Essential requirements for this post include a PhD in a relevant bioinformatics, mathematics or biological subject (with a significant component of analyzing and modeling big data) and an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Significant research experience in bioinformatics or genetic analysis or modelling is desirable. Experience in the field of the evolution of premalignant disease to cancer would be an advantage. Furthermore, an appropriate publication record is essential. A demonstrated ability to communicate well, work within a team and maintain good laboratory records are also essential.

PREFERENCES

A post-doctoral bioinformatician, with an interest in cancer or handling sequence data.

TERMS

3yr (+ a further 3yrs upon successful renewal)

LOCALE

The research will be based in the Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, within the Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London.

COMPENSATION

£32,405 - £42,431 per annum depending on experience

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit https://webapps2.is.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/job.action?jobRef=QMUL9555

DEADLINE

20th December 2016