Location: | Cambridge |
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Salary: | £33,002 to £35,608 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Contract Type: | Fixed-Term/Contract |
Placed On: | 16th October 2025 |
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Closes: | 10th November 2025 |
Job Ref: | RD47639 |
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the group of Dr Alexander Frankell within the Early Cancer Institute on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. This is an exciting opportunity to join a methods development programme, funded by the Wellcome Trust which aims to develop novel approaches to extract critical biological signals from non-invasively collected samples from individuals diagnosed with or at risk of cancer, for example using circulating tumour DNA in blood plasma.
In particular, we are focused on tracking signals of chromosomal Instability and cancer heterogeneity which are critical to the development, progression and treatment resistance of many malignancies. Our methods aim to provide insights into how cancers evolve via longitudinal tracking but also to underpin future cancer biomarkers for detection and risk stratification. Our lab has a background studying malignant development in the oesophagus and lung alongside our collaborators in the TRACERx, OCCAMS and BEST4 studies with whom we work closely (Prof. Charles Swanton, Prof Rebecca Fitzgerald and others).
We are inviting applications from motivated individuals a with a strong interest in NGS and diagnostics. During the post there will be opportunities to learn and optimise novel NGS workflows for high depth sequencing with error suppression involving duplex sequencing and, additionally, to develop and/or extend computational skills if desired by the candidate. The successful candidate will also have responsibilities to aid management and efficiency of the laboratory as a whole alongside Dr Frankell.
Applicants must have a degree in a related field and working experience in relevant experimental procedures, for example DNA extraction, library preparation and cell culture. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in library preparation for NGS and molecular barcoding for deep sequencing. The role holder must also have excellent communication skills with a proven track record of interacting effectively within interdisciplinary teams (biologists, medics, computer scientists, etc), and a willingness to become familiar with the somatic evolution field.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Alexander Frankell (amf71@cam.ac.uk) directly when considering an application to discuss the project in greater detail.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Closing date: 10th November 2025
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