Research Assistant – MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)

RFCSR; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is offering a Research Assistant position funded by an MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Studentship to contribute to the HER-CARE research programme within the CCGE in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care.

The fixed-term contract spans three years, commencing 1 October 2026 and concluding 30 September 2029, with academic and industrial secondments to the Netherlands Cancer Institute and AstraZeneca in Cambridge.

Qualifications

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills suited to large-scale genomic data analysis.
• Familiarity with rare variant testing, regulatory genomics and integrative functional genomics methods.
• Excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary research environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within research teams.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Rare variant testing

Regulatory genomics

Interdisciplinary communication

Education

Bachelor's degree 2:1

Master's degree in a quantitative field

Job description

Research Assistant – MSCA Doctoral Network PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

General Description –
The University of Cambridge seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant supported through a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network PhD Studentship to contribute to HER-CARE (Hereditary & Early onset breast cancer: Comprehensive personalised Assessment, early Risk Evaluation and clinical management) research programme hosted by the Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology (CCGE) in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care. The successful candidate will pursue doctoral research on the role of rare germline non-coding genetic variation in breast cancer susceptibility using whole-genome sequencing from large cohorts, integrating rare variant burden testing, regulatory element annotations and functional genomics approaches. Employment under this fixed-term contract spans three years, commencing 1 October 2026 and concluding 30 September 2029. As part of this MSCA Doctoral Network, the position includes both academic and industrial secondment opportunities, with placements at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and at AstraZeneca in Cambridge, broadening professional experience across research environments. The role will develop expertise in quantitative genetic epidemiology, complex data analysis, and risk-modelling within an internationally recognised research centre. Equality, diversity and inclusion are core values of the University’s recruitment approach.

Eligibility Criteria

A bachelor’s degree (at least a 2.1 honours or equivalent) and a master’s degree in a relevant quantitative discipline such as statistics/biostatistics, mathematics, computational biology, epidemiology or health data sciences.

Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

To satisfy MSCA mobility rules, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in the United Kingdom for more than twelve months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date.

Applicants must meet University of Cambridge postgraduate entry requirements for PhD study.

Required expertise/skills

Strong quantitative and analytical skills suited to large-scale genomic data analysis.

Familiarity with rare variant testing, regulatory genomics and integrative functional genomics methods.

Excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary research environments.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within research teams.

Salary details –
The position offers a full MSCA Doctoral Network stipend in line with EU regulations, comprising a living allowance and a mobility allowance paid monthly (both subject to UK tax and National Insurance). Family allowance may be available where applicable. Reported salary guidance places this within the approximate range of £33,002 to £35,608 per annum under UK university pay scales for equivalent posts.

Application Deadline –
22 March 2026 (interviews anticipated in the week commencing 6 April 2026).