Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 2 years 

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The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the Guest Lab at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (Disease Models & Mechanisms theme) for a 2-year post funded by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF). 

Our lab investigates the tissue-specific selection of IDH1/2 mutations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), one of the most aggressive human malignancies. This project uses cutting-edge spatial multi-omics approaches to understand why IDH mutations are selected in specific hepatic cell populations. Using novel FLEx-IDH transgenic mouse models and CARLIN lineage tracing, we are building spatially-resolved metabolic-transcriptomic maps of the hepatic progenitor niche to identify the microenvironmental conditions that permit IDH-mutant clone expansion. 

The post holder will lead the spatial multi-omics component of this programme, performing spatial and single-cell transcriptomics (Visium/scRNA-seq) on tissue from novel transgenic mouse models and working with collaborators at Keio University (Japan) who will perform MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) for spatial metabolomics. A key element of the role involves the computational integration of spatial metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets to create unified spatial coordinate systems. The post holder will also contribute to the in vivo experimental work, including tissue harvesting and processing from transgenic mouse models. The post holder will work closely with the PI, collaborators, and other lab members to develop and optimise the spatial analysis pipeline and to contribute to high-impact publications. 

The ideal candidate will have strong computational and bioinformatics skills for multi-modal data integration, combined with experience of working with mouse models and tissue processing. Experience with spatial omics technologies (e.g. spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry imaging) and/or single-cell RNA sequencing would be highly advantageous. Knowledge of liver biology, cancer metabolism, or cholangiocarcinoma is desirable.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Strong computational and bioinformatics skills, including experience with R and/or Python for analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets (e.g. transcriptomics, metabolomics) 
• Experience of working with mouse models, including tissue harvesting, processing, and cryosectioning 
• Experience with spatial omics technologies (e.g. 10x Visium, MERFISH, MALDI-MSI) and/or single-cell RNA sequencing 
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, international team 
• PhD (or near submission) in a relevant discipline such as bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, cancer biology, or a related biomedical science  

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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