Research Associate in Computational Biology (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Cambridge is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the computational biology laboratory. The role involves developing AI models to predict DNA secondary structures from sequencing data, and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team. Applicants should hold a PhD in a quantitative field and have programming skills. This full-time position is fixed-term until 31 August 2028.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant quantitative field.
• Experience with AI or mathematical modelling is highly desirable.
• Comfortable working in at least one programming language.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI models to predict DNA secondary structures.
• Collaborate within a multi-institution, cross-disciplinary team.
• Work with high-performance computing facilities.

Skills

Programming proficiency

AI and mathematical modelling in genomics

Independent and collaborative working

Education

PhD in quantitative field (physics, computer science, etc.)

Job description

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the computational biology laboratory of Dr Michael Boemo, Cambridge Department of Pathology ( https://www.boemogroup.org/ ).

In the time it takes you to read this sentence, your body will have finished producing about 5 million new cells; each of these cells had to accurately copy, or replicate, the six billion bases of DNA in their genome exactly once. DNA replication stress, marked by frequent slowing or stalling of replication forks, can lead to chromosomal breaks and rearrangements, ultimately contributing to genome instability and cancer. To replicate DNA efficiently and accurately, replication forks must traverse a plethora of secondary structures throughout the genome. Cells primarily rely on accessory helicases to regulate these structures, and both the secondary structures and the helicases that manage them represent promising therapeutic targets. However, to fully capitalise on this strategy, we first need more effective methods for detecting secondary structures across diverse genomes.

The successful candidate will develop artificial intelligence models that will form the backbone of a new technology that predicts the presence of DNA secondary structures from Oxford Nanopore sequencing data and maps them across the human genome. You will be a vital part of a multi-institution, cross-disciplinary team that includes Dr. Gideon Coster (Institute of Cancer Research, London) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. You will have access to the world-class high-performance computing facility at the University of Cambridge and be embedded in a team of physicists, engineers, and mathematicians working side-by-side with wet lab scientists in the Cambridge Department of Pathology. You will be supported by the vibrant and supportive computational biology community within the Department of Pathology and will synergise with the DNA replication and genome stability communities within the University of Cambridge.

This is an on-site, full-time position that is fixed-term until 31 August 2028 and is funded by an Industrial Partnership Award from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Applicants should have completed a PhD in a quantitative field (such as physics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, bioinformatics, or computational biology) and feel comfortable working in at least one programming language. Experience with AI and/or mathematical modelling in genomics is highly desirable, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 August 2028 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries and requests for further information are very welcome and should be addressed to Dr Michael Boemo: [e-mail]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: Miss Ellie Watson: [e-mail]

Please quote reference PK46917 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.