Research Associate - Single-Cell Genomics of Chromosomal Instability (Markowetz Group) (Fixed Term)
About the Role
The Markowetz Lab at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) is seeking an ambitious, independent postdoctoral researcher to pioneer computational methods in the genomics of chromosomal instability (CIN). Funded by a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant delivered by UKRI, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead the development of cutting-edge single-cell copy number signatures to decode ongoing genomic evolution.
Building directly upon the lab's foundational work in copy number signatures (e.g., Drews et al., Nature 2022), you will develop creative computational frameworks to understand the precise mutational mechanisms underlying CIN and discover how to exploit them therapeutically. Positioned at the intersection of data science and oncology, you will collaborate closely with experimental biologists, pathologists, and clinical oncologists within an iterative computational-experimental cycle.
About the Markowetz Lab
We are a fully integrated computational and experimental lab with a world-class track record in applying machine learning to cancer genomics and imaging. We pride ourselves on a supportive, diverse, and highly empowering environment, operating under the philosophy: "You are not working for me, I am working with you" (Markowetz, PLoS Comp Bio 2015).
The lab is a proven launching pad for elite careers; our alumni are given the autonomy to own their projects, transitioning seamlessly into faculty positions at first-class academic institutions or becoming CEOs of successful biotechnology spin-outs.
About the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
The CRUK CI is a flagship joint institute of Cancer Research UK and the University of Cambridge, situated at the heart of the world-renowned Biomedical Campus. Housing over 350 researchers across 20 specialised groups, the Institute bridges the gap between basic cancer biology and clinical application. We provide a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment equipped with state-of-the-art computational infrastructure, core scientific facilities, and unparalleled links to the wider Cambridge scientific ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Method Development
- Lead the design and implementation of innovative computational frameworks to analyse single-cell and bulk genomic sequencing data, focusing on copy number evolution and CIN.
- Drive creative problem-solving and innovation, proactively establishing new analytical protocols and expanding on the lab's established signature frameworks.
- Champion Open Science principles by ensuring all code, workflows, and data are highly transparent, reproducible, and shared via modern version control (Git), containerisation (Docker/Singularity), and automated workflow managers.
Leadership & Autonomy
- Cultivate academic and intellectual independence, taking proactive ownership of the project's direction while organising and prioritising your own research streams.
- Provide technical, day-to-day supervision and mentorship to PhD students and junior researchers working within the computational team.
- Contribute to strategic decision-making regarding your own research direction and collaborate on broader scientific choices within the Group.
Collaboration & Dissemination
- Act as a key collaborative bridge, working closely with internal experimentalists and external clinical partners to translate computational discoveries into actionable biological insights.
- Take a leading role in authoring high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication under the guidance of the Group Leader.
- Communicate research insights dynamically, presenting progress regularly to internal audiences and representing the lab at major international genomics conferences.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1 January 2028 in the first instance.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
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