Genomics Research Assistant: Long-Read Sequencing

1000scholars; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle University is seeking capable researchers to join a team led by Dr Sarra Ryan to explore highly repetitive DNA in relation to genomic instability in childhood cancer. You will facilitate ultra-long reads using Oxford Nanopore, PacBio and Illumina platforms and perform bioinformatics analysis on high-performance cloud computing resources.

The role offers progression through two levels (Research Assistant and Research Associate) with fixed-term funding for 4 months from 1 October 2026 to

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in molecular biology, bioinformatics or cancer genetics.
• PhD in cancer, genomics or bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project.
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.

Education

Honours degree in molecular biology / bioinformatics / cancer genetics

PhD in cancer, genomics or bioinformatics

Job description

Newcastle University is seeking capable researchers to join a team led by Dr Sarra Ryan to explore highly repetitive DNA in relation to genomic instability in childhood cancer. You will facilitate ultra-long reads using Oxford Nanopore, PacBio and Illumina platforms and perform bioinformatics analysis on high-performance cloud computing resources.

The role offers progression through two levels (Research Assistant and Research Associate) with fixed-term funding for 4 months from 1 October 2026 to