Research Associate

at  Imperial College London

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED INCLUDE:

• Proficiency in multi-omics sample preparation and data processing and network analysis, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and chemometrics.
• Experience in multi-omics data integration through network approaches using programming platforms such as R and Python.
• Practical experience with VOC analysis techniques, including operating thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and selected ion flow tube (SIFT)-MS.
• Experience with cell culture, genetic perturbation methods, molecular and functional experiments to understand VOC production mechanisms.
  This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a researcher with ambition to grow within a highly collaborative and supportive research environment. You will have the chance to contribute to high-impact research in the field of cancer diagnostics, with ample opportunities for career development.

AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

• Download: Employee Benefits Booklet.Pdf
• Download: Job Description Research Associate.Pdf

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
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ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a unique opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher to contribute to an innovative, multidisciplinary project, working at the intersection of cancer biology and multi-omics. This position is funded by Cancer Research UK as part of the AROMA (Augmented Response of Volatile bioMarkers to detect Oesophagogastric Adenocarcinoma) programme, led by Professor George Hanna. The programme is focused on developing a novel breath test for early detection of oesophagogastric cancer, based on analysing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath.
You will join a collaborative and dynamic team, working closely with internal and external colleagues, including leading scientists from Imperial College and partner institutions. The research aims to improve the early detection of cancer and develop innovative diagnostic approaches, with the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes.

WHAT YOU WOULD BE DOING

In this role, you will be responsible for driving key aspects of the AROMA research programme, specifically:

• You will prepare clinical samples for multi-omics analysis and conduct network analyses to integrate multi-omics data from the AROMA trial.
• You will design and conduct functional experiments to understand the metabolic pathways underpinning VOC production based on the multi-omics analyses.
• You will develop and optimise techniques for VOC extraction from clinical and in vitro samples and establish SOPs for these processes.
• You will work closely with AROMA Co-investigators and collaborators, and provide training and support to PhD students involved in VOC analyses.

You will play a crucial role in ensuring the scientific and technical excellence of the team’s research, contributing to the preparation of reports and manuscripts, and presenting findings at conferences and workshops.