Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Cambridge Service Alliance; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant in Quantitative Immunology of Early Cancer. This role involves computational analysis of T cell receptor repertoires and support for single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis. Candidates must have a master's degree in a relevant field and possess strong quantitative skills. The position is fixed-term for one year, with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have completed, or be about to complete, a master's degree.
• Computational experience dealing with genomic data sets is desirable.
• Good quantitative training, such as undergraduate maths courses, is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct computational analysis of TCR repertoires from cancer cases.
• Provide computational support for analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data.

Skills

Computational experience with genomic data

Quantitative training

Interest in machine learning

Education

Master's degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Research Assistant in Quantitative Immunology of Early Cancer

Project. The Blundell lab at the University of Cambridge is seeking a candidate for a research assistant position in Quantitative Immunology applied to early cancer. This position is part of a long term research programme centred on exploiting the adaptive immune system for early cancer detection funded by the ACED alliance. The role will involve two key components. First, the computational analysis of TCR repertoires generated from the blood of large numbers of cancer cases and matched controls. Second, the role will involve computational support to group members in analysing single-cell RNA sequencing data sets for probing T-cell receptor - peptide interactions. We are an interdisciplinary group focused on applying mathematical, genomics and statistical approaches to understand the behaviour of somatic clones and their interaction with the adaptive immune system in order to better predict and treat early cancer.

Candidate. Candidates should have completed, or be about to complete, a masters degree in a relevant discipline (computational biology, immunology, genetics). Computational experience dealing with genomic data sets is desirable, good quantitative training (e.g. undergraduate maths courses) is essential. Familiarity with and interest in machine learning approaches applied to biological problems is also desirable.

Lab and environment. The Blundell lab is part of the Early Cancer Institute in the Department of Oncology at the University of Cambridge. We are embedded in the CRUK Cambridge Centre. Situated on Cambridge Biomedical Research Campus, with close ties to Addenbrooke's Hospital and a host of biotech companies, our location affords our members access to human tissue samples, state of the art sequencing facilities, and the opportunity to forge collaborations with world class physicists, engineers, biologists and clinicians in Cambridge. More information on the lab can be found at www.blundelllab.com

Enquiries. Informal enquiries should be directed to Jamie Blundell via e-mail: [e-mail].

The closing date for applications is Friday 15st August 2025.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

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