Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Job Title: Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist (PPRS)

Details of the role: Fixed term contract for 1-year, full time. Working pattern: Monday - Friday.

Salary: From £43,210 dependent on skills and experience

Application closing date: 21/02/:59GMT

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

Lung cancer remains one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide, demanding innovative research to address its complexities and challenges. This project seeks to advance our understanding of immunogenic mutations-genomic alterations within cancer cells that result in the production of tumor-specific antigens (neoantigens). Predicting neoantigens in lung cancer involves computational modelling to analyse somatic mutation data, along with transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, to forecast which mutations could produce immunogenic peptides capable of being presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This project will leverage next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from the TRACERx study to monitor the evolutionary trajectories of lung tumors at multiple time points and in different spatial regions, identifying which mutations are likely to produce neoantigens over time and how these evolve under therapeutic pressure.

To this end, we are seeking applications from candidates with a creative approach to research with computational competencies to work in a lab with an enviable reputation of producing papers of the highest quality.

What you will be doing

As a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist at the Crick, you will:

• Work on a European project, working within the multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, bioinformaticians and bench scientists in the Swanton lab, and collaborating with groups at the Francis Crick Institute and beyond, including academic and industry partners
• Drive the project forward using relevant computational approaches
• Keep up to date with the relevant literature in the field of cancer biology and machine learning
• Attend and report on research results at regular group meetings
• Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results by means of writing papers for publication and presenting orally and in poster form at national and international meetings.

About you

You will bring

• PhD in cancer biology / computational biology or other relevant discipline
• Good knowledge and experience in at least one of the following: cancer biology / cancer immunology / genomics
• Technical qualifications: expertise in common programming languages such as R or Python
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals

To see the complete job description, click here .

To see more about team/Group Leader click here .

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK

Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

Health & Well-being:

24/7 GP consultation services.

Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

Work-Life Balance:

Back-up care for dependents.

Childcare support allowance.

Annual leave purchase options.

Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.

Perks:

Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.

Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.