About the Role:
We are looking for a Computational Postdoctoral Fellow to help deliver a CR-UK funded Project aiming to perform saturation genome editing of cancer genes at the Wellcome Sanger Institute as part of the Experimental Cancer Genetics Team lead by David Adams . This project will also involve investigators at the Crick Institute (Dr. Greg Findlay) and The Institute for Cancer Research (Prof. Clare Turnbull), both in London. This is for a 3 year fixed term position.
About Us:
Cancer is a genetic disease with variants in around 90 genes defining them as cancer predisposing. Notably, a significant proportion of patients who present in medical genetics clinics with a family history of cancer also carry variants in established predisposition genes, yet for fewer than half of these patients can the available genetic data be used for a definitive diagnosis; most patients carry variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Thus, as illustrated recently for BRCA1 , knowing exactly which variants are disruptive of gene function from functional tests is a hugely powerful aid to patient management allowing those at risk to undergo cancer surveillance.
The overarching hypothesis of the studies we are performing is that we can deploy saturation genome editing (SGE) [Findlay et al., Nature, 2018] and other high-throughput methods (collectively known as Multiplex Assays of Variant Effect; MAVE) to comprehensively discover every nucleotide/amino acid change that alters gene function and generate a resource that can be combined with other information such as family history to support clinical decision-making. Specifically, we will focus on a collection of genes whose mutation is established to contribute to tumorigenesis and which account for the overwhelming majority of all VUS identified in familial cancer patients. This work will impact on patient outcomes by facilitating early diagnosis and pre-emptive management.
You will be responsible for:
Specific aspects of the role include:
- Proactively driving data-generation working with other members of the team. This will involve performing screening experiments, generating and validating vectors and cell lines.
- Working closely with computational biologists to analyse and interpret data and to present these data to the team, pharma partners and scientific community.
- Remaining at the forefront of new technologies and methods for CRISPR-mediated genome editing.
As a postdoctoral fellow, you will take ownership of projects and aim to publish papers and present your work at leading research meetings to promote our work.
About you:
If you have experience working with large-scale genomic data, CRISPR screening or genomic analysis, and you are seeking a multi-faceted and challenging role, this job might be for you!
We welcome applications from you if you the following:
- A PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics or related scientific discipline
- Understanding and experience in the fields of genomics, data processing and high- throughput data analysis
- Demonstrated expertise in the management and analysis of very large data sets
- Training/Experience developing statistical/machine-learning methods for the analysis of large-scale data sets in biological research
- Extensive experience in a research environment with an established track record of productivity
- Proficiency in one or more scripting languages (R, python)
You are a detail-oriented problem solver motivated by our mission of delivering high-quality data and analysis results to partners. You will be motivated by continuous improvement, and will lead by example by sharing ownership of team processes and ways of working with the team lead and other senior team members.
Joining us as Postdoctoral Fellow:
You will be part of a vibrant international Postdoctoral Fellow community at the Sanger Institute with a wide programme of transferable skills training and excellent career development opportunities. We are committed to:
- Providing an enriching and respectful research environment so you can focus on and enjoy your work
- Mentoring you and providing opportunities for you to network across the genomics scientific community
For more information about being a Postdoctoral Fellow - please visit:
Essential Skills:
Technical Skills:
- A PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics or related scientific discipline
- Understanding and experience in the fields of genomics, data processing and high- throughput data analysis
- Experience in one or more scripting languages (R, python)
Competencies and Behaviours:
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Proven independent working style, technical problem solving, data analysis and generation of novel ideas
- Motivation and ambition to make a personal contribution to GRL research
- Proven ability to work effectively within a team
- Ability to work multi-task and organise own workload
- Good attention to detail and record keeping
- Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all
Salary per annum: £35,707-£39,193
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the skills set out above.
Closing Date: 13th February 2023
Working at Wellcome Sanger:
Our flexible-hybrid working environment is designed to support a healthy work-life balance. This means you can work flexibly with a combination of working from home, and working from our Campus to allow you to focus on being productive and part of the team while enjoying the benefits of working flexibly.
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.
We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits:
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
