Research Fellow

Applications are invited from an exceptional Postdoctoral Bioinformatician/Data Scientist with expertise in genomics to join a pioneering multi-disciplinary team at the HEA North South Research Programme funded eHealth Hub for Cancer, a collaborative initiative between Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the University of Limerick (UL) (QUB lead Prof. Mark Lawler).

The purpose of this role is to support proof-of-concept for the value of Secure Data Research Environments (SDREs) for colorectal and prostate cancer research. The successful candidate will be embedded in a unique initiative linking the QUB Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR), Centre for Public Health (CPH), NIBiobank, the Health and Social Care Trust NI (HSCNI), and UL.

Under the joint supervision of Professors Simon McDade (PGJCCR), Michael Quinn (CPH/HSCNI), and Jackie James (PGJCCR/NI Biobank), the successful candidate will collaborate with cloud and software engineering experts to develop and validate proof-of-concept SDREs for colorectal and prostate cancer research.

Key responsibilities include integrating clinical and research data, curating pre-clinical datasets, and supporting the discovery and validation of novel genomic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. The role focuses on supporting broader teams’ efforts to understand treatment efficacy for CRC patients treated with 5FU-based chemotherapy and men with locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy. You will collaborate with cloud and software engineering experts, contributing to integrative analysis of multi-modal functional genomics datasets and have the opportunity to contribute to integrative analysis of a unique suite of pre- clinical multi-modal functional genomics datasets (CRISPR, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Mass-Spec, single-cell, and spatial RNA-seq) related to models of treatment persistence and resistance for the identification of novel targetable vuln erabilities.

About the person:

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated individual with (or about to obtain) a PhD in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Genomics, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have significant, relevant research experience in healthcare or ‘omics’ data analysis, proficiency in scripting (e.g. python, R, PERL, Shell), and experience with cloud computing and AI/ML techniques for genomic data.

Essential Criteria include:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Genomics, or related field (or near completion within 3 months of the closing date).
• Significant, relevant research experience in healthcare an/or ‘omics’ data analysis.
• Proficiency in range of scripting g. Python, R, Perl, and Shell.
• Track record of senior author publications commensurate with stage of career.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex information.

Preferred candidates will also have experience in cancer research (specifically prostate or colorectal cancer) and advanced genomics methods. Expertise software development, cloud and/or high-performance computing and AI/ML techniques are desirable.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 31 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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