Overview The Blundell lab at the University of Cambridge is seeking a candidate for a postdoctoral position to investigate the use of T-cell receptor repertoire analysis for improving the detention of cancers from a blood sample. This is part of a large programme of research funded by the Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED). We are an interdisciplinary group focused on applying mathematical, evolutionary and statistical approaches to understand the dynamic behaviour of TCR clonotypes in tissues and an blood over time and how these shape, and are shaped by, the emergence of a cancer.
Project The central aim of the project is to investigate whether one can identify differences in the TCR repertoire of patients with IDH1 mutant gliomas from IDH1 null gliomas and from healthy controls by leveraging sequence specific information. The project will involve analysis of large sequencing datasets of TCR repertoires generated from peripheral blood in hundreds of cases and controls. There is a substantial bioinformatic and statistical component to the project.
Candidate Candidates should have(or be close to finishing) a PhD in genomics, quantitative biology, physics or mathematics, an excellent research record and an interest in biological / clinical applications of genomics and maths. Experience with analysis of TCR repertoires and TCR sequences is essential.
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: jrb75@cam.ac.uk.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
Please ensure that 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 for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 30th April 2024
Date of interview: To be confirmed
Please quote reference RD41284 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.