Research Fellow – Computational Scientist

at  University College London

ABOUT US

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World’s leading universities. The Institute draws together over 300 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing better, more effective treatments to improve outcomes for cancer patients. In particular, it fosters links between basic cancer researchers across Biomedicine, and with the clinical activities of our four partner Hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners: University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK.
Information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/

ABOUT THE ROLE

A position for a computational scientist is available in the Neurogenesis and Brain Cancer group led by Prof. Simona Parrinello. The team uses a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, including advanced imaging, single cell and spatial ‘omics’, mass cytometry and innovative somatic mouse models to define the biology of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumour, with the ultimate goal to develop novel and conceptually different treatment strategies.
Specific areas of focus are the mechanisms by which GBM initiates from normal neural stem cells, how it recurs following treatment and the links between these two processes.
The postholder will exploit a series of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets of GBM progression and recurrence generated by the team to dissect the cell-intrinsic and microenvironmentally-induced mechanisms by which GBM cells drive tumour (re)growth. The successful candidate will apply and develop novel and innovative computational strategies to explore these research questions. They will be expected to produce independent and original research in this area, develop and apply new concepts and have a creative approach to problem solving.
Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please evidence the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the ‘Why you have applied for this role’ field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £38,357 - £41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission and award of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insuranc