Overview

Research Associate*/Research Assistant in Multi-omics Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer (Fixed Term) at Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy. Based at the Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology (CCGE), Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, contributing to the NEMO (Novel Early Markers of Ovarian Cancer) study funded by Cancer Research UK’s Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED).

NEMO is a multi-centre initiative to identify early molecular signatures of pre-cancerous changes in the fallopian tubes that precede high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). The study will deploy technologies including single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and glycoproteomics to characterize tissue and lavage samples at high resolution. The postholder will be based at CCGE in Cambridge, with co-mentoring from the MRC Biostatistics Unit, and will collaborate with international partners across the ACED network (e.g., UCL, University of Manchester, Stanford University, and OHSU).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of analytical approaches for integration and interpretation of multi-omic datasets.
• Identify molecular networks, predictive features, and signatures of early disease.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists, bioinformaticians, and clinical researchers across partner institutions.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., genomics, computational biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, or related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience analysing large-scale biological data (e.g., single-cell data, spatial or bulk omics).
• Strong programming and statistical skills, ideally with proficiency in R and/or Python.
• Experience in data integration, network analysis, and/or machine learning applied to biological questions.
• Collaborative mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a strong publication record.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Terms and Additional Information

• Hybrid working is supported, but staff are expected to work onsite regularly.
• This is a full-time position; applications from those wishing to work part-time at least 0.6 FTE per week are welcome.
• Funding is available for 2 years from commencement in post.
• Closing date: 25 September 2025; Interview date: 6 October 2025.
• Please ensure you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application; the covering letter should outline how you match the criteria and why you are applying. Include referees with email and phone number; one referee should be your most recent line manager.
• Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD may be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5) with progression to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of the award.
• Please quote reference RS46925 on your application and in any correspondence.

Equal Opportunity

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.