Research Assistant in Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Research (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position working with Dr Xiaomeng Zhang at the Centre for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge.

The postholder will contribute to a project investigating the genetic association between benign diseases or precursor lesions and cancer in the breast and lung. In this role, the postholder will be responsible for:

• Accessing data from Biobanks, performing quality control, and conducting Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analyses and subsequent analyses using established pipelines.
• Assist with sequencing data analysis and conduct meta-analysis for pathogenic variants across multiple datasets.
• Supporting the interpretation of results and contributing to the writing of manuscripts for publication.

The role is ideally suited to candidates with quantitative and analytical skills and a Master's degree (or near completion) in fields such as Cancer Epidemiology, Health Data Science, or a related field. Relevant experience in GWAS analyses, Genetic correlation analyses and Whole-genome(exome) sequencing analyses is highly desirable. Applicants should have statistical skills (e.g., having knowledge of R or Python), along with writing, presentation and communication abilities. Prior experience working with computing clusters or remote servers is desirable.

The fund would be available from 1st October 2025 at the earliest, for 12 months in the first instance.

This is a full-time position, but applications of no less than 0.8 FTE will be considered.

Location - Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Xiaomeng Zhang (xz470@medschl.cam.ac.uk)

Closing date: 26th August 2025

Interview Date: 12th September 2025

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.

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 RS46877 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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