Post Doc - Isidro Cortes-Ciriano Group

ONE NUCLEUS; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution near Cambridge is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow focused on cancer genomics and long-read sequencing data analysis. The ideal candidate will lead scalable computational solutions for analysing a unique collection of sequencing data. This position offers hybrid working options and substantial freedom to design novel algorithms, along with generous benefits and a competitive stipend of £3,307 per month after tax.

Benefits

Generous stipend reviewed yearly

Hybrid working arrangements

Private medical insurance

30 days annual leave

Relocation package

On-site nursery and family benefits

Qualifications

• PhD degree in life sciences (preferably computational biology, genomics, statistics, or a similar field).
• Strong analytical and programming skills (preferably in Python and R).
• Significant experience in computational genomics (ideally in cancer genomics) as evidenced by publication record.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of computational methods for analysing long-read sequencing data sets.
• Design novel algorithms and explore own hypotheses.
• Engage with national and international collaborators.

Skills

Analytical skills

Programming in Python

Programming in R

Experience in computational genomics

Communication skills in English

Education

PhD degree in life sciences

Tools

Unix-based environments

High-performance computing

Version control software

Job description

The Cortes-Ciriano group studies the mutational processes and mechanisms of genome instability
underpinning tumourigenesis, immune escape, and drug response through the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data from clinical samples. The group is also leading the development of novel approaches for early cancer detection using long-read sequencing. More information about the group can be found here.

Isidro Cortés-Ciriano joined EMBL-EBI as Research Group Leader in June 2019 after completing postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, under the supervision of Prof. Peter Park, and at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Andreas Bender. Isidro completed his PhD at the Pasteur Institute in 2015, after obtaining MSc degrees in biology and biochemistry (major in bioinformatics) from the University of Navarra.

Your role

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the fields of early detection, cancer genomics and long-read sequencing data analysis. We are looking for an intrinsically motivated, talented, and hypothesis-driven individual with experience in analysing high-throughput sequencing data sets. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in genomic medicine and long-read sequencing data analysis.

You will be expected to lead the development of scalable and creative computational solutions for
sequencing data analysis. Specifically, your project will involve developing computational methods for analysing a unique collection of hundreds of long-read whole-genome sequencing data sets from human tumours and cell-free DNA samples spanning multiple cancer types, including adult and paediatric tumours. It is essential that you are dedicated to lead your own project while also being a team player and willing to engage with our national and international collaborators.

You will enjoy substantial freedom (if desired) to design novel algorithms and to explore your own
hypotheses. Your project will benefit from close interactions with our clinical and wet-lab collaborators.

You have

- PhD degree in the life sciences (preferably computational biology, genomics, statistics, or a similar field)

- Strong analytical and programming skills (preferably in python and R)

- Significant experience in computational genomics (ideally in cancer genomics) as evidenced by publication record

- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other group
members and external collaborators

- Proficient communication skills in both written and spoken English

- Experience in Unix-based environments, high-performance computing and the development of reproducible data analysis pipelines using version control software

You may also have

- Background in cancer biology

- Experience in long-read sequencing data analysis is desired

Other information

- At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. Our research teams spend 4 days working from the office, in our new Thornton Building.

- If you are interested please submit a cover letter/ motivation letter, CV and 2 letters of recommendation to be uploaded as part of your application

Benefits and Contract Information

- Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £278, monthly child allowance of £336 per child. Generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays
- Relocation package
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
- Family benefits: On-site nursery, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
- Contract duration: This position is a 2 year grant funded contract
- Salary: Monthly stipend of £3,307 per month after tax (Total package will be dependant on family circumstances)
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.
- Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV via our online system. Applications will close on 07/09/2025.

Monthly stipend of £3,307 per month after tax