Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Research Assistant in Quantitative Immunology of Early Cancer

Project.The Blundell lab at the University of Cambridge is seeking a candidate for a research assistant position in Quantitative Immunology applied to early cancer. This position is part of a long term research programme centred on exploiting the adaptive immune system for early cancer detection funded by the ACED alliance. The role will involve two key components. First, the computational analysis of TCR repertoires generated from the blood of large numbers of cancer cases and matched controls. Second, the role will involve computational support to group members in analysing single-cell RNA sequencing data sets for probing T-cell receptor - peptide interactions. We are an interdisciplinary group focused on applying mathematical, genomics and statistical approaches to understand the behaviour of somatic clones and their interaction with the adaptive immune system in order to better predict and treat early cancer.

Candidate. Candidates should have completed, or be about to complete, a masters degree in a relevant discipline (computational biology, immunology, genetics). Computational experience dealing with genomic data sets is desirable, good quantitative training (e.g. undergraduate maths courses) is essential. Familiarity with and interest in machine learning approaches applied to biological problems is also desirable.

Lab and environment. The Blundell lab is part of the Early Cancer Institute in the Department of Oncology at the University of Cambridge. We are embedded in the CRUK Cambridge Centre. Situated on Cambridge Biomedical Research Campus, with close ties to Addenbrooke's Hospital and a host of biotech companies, our location affords our members access to human tissue samples, state of the art sequencing facilities, and the opportunity to forge collaborations with world class physicists, engineers, biologists and clinicians in Cambridge. More information on the lab can be found at www.blundelllab.com

Enquiries. Informal enquiries should be directed to Jamie Blundell via e-mail: jrb75@cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is **Friday 15st August 2025**.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RD46793 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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