Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.

The Transmissible Cancer Group at the University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic team studying the genomics and evolution of transmissible cancers. This is a fixed-term 6-month position supported by a research grant. This post is expected to start on 1st June 2026 but there is some flexibility for an earlier or later start date.

Transmissible cancers are long-lived clonal lineages of malignant cells that operate as infectious parasites, spreading between individuals by the physical transfer of living cancer cells. Among mammals, such diseases have been described in only two species: dogs and Tasmanian devils, and are spread by mating and biting, respectively. These extraordinary cell lineages provide an opportunity to study cancer evolution over the long-term, and to investigate the interaction between cancer cells and the allogeneic immune system. Furthering our knowledge of these diseases may also shed light on their transmission dynamics and inform conservation work.

This position is suited for someone with skills in field work and computational biology with an interest in comparative cancer evolution and tumour immunology. The role-holder will be involved in field trip and sampling efforts, and will perform analysis of genome and transcriptome data from tumours belonging to transmissible cancer lineages. We will annotate genetic variants and use these to understand past and ongoing mutational and evolutionary processes. We will use phylogenetic methods to reconstruction evolutionary histories, and estimate mutation rates to infer transmissible cancer origin dates.

Applicants should hold a PhD in computational biology, and have experience in genome annotation, troubleshooting comparative genomics datasets, and knowledge of comparative cancer biology. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good organisational and interpersonal skills, and should be able to effectively manage their time. They will have the opportunity to make their own original contribution to the field of study within the framework of the project.

More information about the Transmissible Cancer Group can be found on our website at www.tcg.vet.cam.ac.uk, and information about the Department of Veterinary Medicine can be found at www.vet.cam.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Elizabeth Murchison (epm27@cam.ac.uk), and enquiries about the application process should be directed to Julie Ingham (ji217@cam.ac.uk).

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two referees. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. Any additional documents, which have not been requested, will not be considered as part of your application.

Closing date 11 January 2026. Interviews will be held on 4 February 2026.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Enquiries about the application process can be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PP48405 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Key information

Department/location: Department of Veterinary Medicine

Salary: £37,694-£46,049

Reference: PP48405

Category: Research

Date published: 22 December 2025

Closing date: 11 January 2026

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