Postdoctoral Fellow
Reporting to: George Kassiotis, Principal Group Leader
Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term fixed term position for 4 years on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
The Research Group
The Postdoctoral Scientists will carry out research on transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the initiation, progression and immune control of human cancer. Particular emphasis will be placed on endogenous retroviruses and other endogenous retroelements that current work in the lab has identified as cancer-specific. The focus is the creation of novel or alteration of existing gene function, through co-option of endogenous retroelements in cancer.
The Project
This role will be pivotal in ensuring continuation of research on endogenous retroviruses in human cancer in the Kassiotis lab. The post holders will be part of a team of researchers in the Kassiotis lab at the Francis Crick Institute.
Lab web page: https://www.crick.ac.uk/george-kassiotis
Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to:
Designing, performing, analysing and interpreting experiments to investigate the exaptation of endogenous retroelements in the context of human cancer, which will be studied in humans as well as animal models
Working within a team that carries out research on immune reactivity to retroviral antigens in the context of infection and cancer.
Carrying out the processing, analysis and integration of distinct next generation sequencing and multiple ‘omics data.
Using existing, and developing and maintaining pipelines for the analysis of multiple ‘omics data.
Postdoctoral Fellows will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.
Key experience and competencies
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:
Bold; Open; Collegial
Essential
PhD in cancer biology, computational biology or related disciplines (or in the final stages of completion)
A strong background in statistical analyses
A strong background in state-of-the-art cell biology techniques
Experience in the analysis of next generation sequencing data
Excellent theoretical knowledge of the principles of genetics, cancer biology and cancer immunology
Experience with scripting language (Python or Perl), R statistical programming language, Bioconductor, and with LINUX based systems
Ability to design and maintain analysis pipelines
The post holder is expected to be creative and motivated, conscientious and able to work independently, but also to interact well within the team
Excellent record keeping and ability to communicate well are also essential
Demonstration of scientific ability and excellence by means of authorship (first author) peer reviewed publications in internationally recognized scientific journals
Desirable
Experience in bioinformatics analysis of repetitive elements
Experience in retroviral production and transduction techniques
About Us
At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.
We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.
We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.
If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful
