Job date: 2015-05-08
End Date:
Company : Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Country : Role : Faculty
Salary range: £37845 to £48147 per annum plus excellent benefits
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute are seeking to recruit a Computational Biologist for an exciting new project to develop new models of early cancer evolution in epithelial tissues.
The Pre-cancer group studies how mutant cells evolve into dysplasias and cancers in human tissues and model systems (https://www.sanger.ac.uk/research/projects/precancer/). We are interested in how mutant clones compete with each other and interact with the cancer promoting environment during epithelial cancer evolution in order to develop new cancer prevention therapy. Our cross disciplinary approach exploits quantitative methods to link mutation with changes in cell dynamics (see link 1 and 2 below).
The post holder will work in a joint project with Dr Ben Hall (http://www.mrc-cu.cam.ac.uk/hall.html) to develop new models that integrate tissue mechanics, cell dynamics and mutation to identify key processes in cancer evolution. Model predictions will be validated experimentally and the post holder will be able to work with biologists in the group to design these experiments. In addition the role involves analysis of data generated in ongoing programmes to resolve cell dynamics in model organisms and human tissues, drawing on imaging, lineage tracing and mutational data. The post holder will be integrated within the experimental team with quantitative methods supervision from Ben Hall.
Qualified with a PhD in computational biology, or formal methods, demonstrable experience/interest in biology, the successful applicant will have programming experience (preferably with python or F#) and a track record of first author publications. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively across disciplines is essential and experience of working in interdisciplinary teams (specifically with experimentalists, clinicians, and/or theoreticians) is highly desirable. Familiarity with biophysical simulation (e.g. molecular or cellular modelling) or executable modelling techniques (e.g. logical modelling) and experience with Bayesian type approaches to data analysis would be advantageous, as is experience of high performance computing and/or writing MPI code.
1) Doupe DP, Alcolea MP, Roshan A, Zhang G, Klein AM, Simons BD, Jones PH (2012) A single progenitor population switches behavior to maintain and repair esophageal epithelium. Science 337: 1091-1093
2) Alcolea MP et al (2014) Differentiation imbalance in single oesophageal progenitor cells causes clonal immortalization and field change. Nat Cell Biol 16:615-622.
Essential Skills
PhD in computational biology or formal methods Demonstrable experience/interest in biology Programming experience (preferably with python or F#) Record of publication of first author papers Good communication skills, both written and verbal A high level of communication skills to be able to elicit complex requirements from, and convey complex information to, group members with different levels of technical knowledge Ability to quickly adapt to new problems and ideas Ability to work unsupervised Excellent problem-solving skills Ability to manage complex projects with experimentalistsIdeal Skills
Experience working in interdisciplinary teams (specifically with experimentalists and/or theoreticians) Experience with high performance computing and/or writing MPI code Experience with Bayesian type approaches to data analysis Familiarity with biophysical simulation (e.g. molecular modelling) or executable modelling techniques (e.g. logical modelling) Demonstrable knowledge of cancer biology or closely related systemsOther information
The Sanger Institute is a charitably funded research centre focused on understanding the role of genetics in health and disease. We use state of the art large-scale genomic approaches to drive world-leading projects to uncover the basis of genetic and infectious disease. Our goal is to provide results that can be translated into diagnostics, treatments or therapies that reduce global health burdens.
The Institute is located near Cambridge, UK on the stunning Wellcome Trust Genome Campus. This growing and dynamic site is the British hub of genomic science. It hosts the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), the Centre for Therapeutic Target Validation, a Biodata Innovation Centre and will soon host Genomics England Limited’s 100,000 Genomes Sequencing Centre. It is an excellent environment in which to work and collaborate with researchers on campus and around the world and benefit from cross-fertilisation of ideas.
To help researchers to develop their skills and networks, the Institute hosts a range of scientific seminars with internal and invited speakers, scientific group meetings and skills development workshops. In addition the Campus is home to the Wellcome Trust Advanced Course and Scientific Conferences programme and the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre
Our Benefits include: Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, Group Income Protection, Healthcare scheme, Childcare Vouchers, Nursery and 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays. We also have a gym, two cafes, a nursery, dining facilities, and a free campus Bus service. Our thriving Sports and Social Club provides many opportunities to meet with people working across the campus.
Please provide a CV and cover letter.
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