Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Oncology

The Kar lab at the Early Cancer Institute in the Department of Oncology is looking for a candidate for the post of Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology. As Research Assistant, you will play a vital role in the design, analysis and dissemination of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), post-GWAS functional annotation work, Mendelian randomisation studies, and genetic correlation, multi-trait, and colocalisation analyses. The candidate will join a project that seeks to understand the shared biology of ovarian cancer and its risk factors.

Your work in the Kar lab has the potential to lead to actionable insights that inform cancer prevention, early detection, and therapeutics. You will:

• Have the opportunity to lead peer-reviewed publications in this area, present at international scientific conferences, and develop your own academic profile.
• Have access to mentorship and guidance to support your work to the fullest, training in advanced research methods, and extensive career development opportunities.
• Work closely with our local, national, and international collaborators and be a part of global scientific networks in cancer genetics and epidemiology.

Candidates should have completed, or be about to complete, a master's degree in a discipline relevant to genetic epidemiology. Experience handling large data sets and software to implement common statistical genetic methods, and programming in R is essential. An undergraduate background in the biomedical sciences, previous experience in ovarian cancer research, and co-authorship on peer-reviewed publication is desirable.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Siddhartha Kar via email: sk718@cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is 20th September 2025.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above. 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. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. Please quote reference RD47188 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.