Post Doctoral Training Fellow, Functional Genetic Epidemiology team

The focus of the Functional Genetic Epidemiology Team is the identification and characterisation of genetic variants that are associated with breast cancer risk – specifically, low penetrance variants that map to non-coding DNA. Our recently funded research programme combinines high throughput methods (Capture Hi-C, cell type-specific RNA-seq, GRO-seq, whole genome bisulphite-seq) with in depth functional characterisation of individual loci. The successful applicant will be responsible for setting up reporter-gene based high-throughput methodology (CapStarr-seq, LentiMPRA) for the characterisation of credible causal variants from fine-scale mapping analyses of breast cancer risk loci.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Training Fellow to contribute to our programme of work, combining high throughput methods (Capture Hi-C, cell type-specific RNA-seq, GRO-seq, whole genome bisulphite-seq) with in depth functional characterisation of individual loci. The successful applicant will be responsible for setting up reporter-gene based high-throughput methodology (CapStarr-seq, Vanhille et al., Nat Commun 2015; LentiMPRA Gordon et al., Nat Protocols 2020) in order to characterise credible causal variants from fine-scale mapping analyses of breast cancer risk loci. Combining these data with other genome-wide data sets (publicly available and generated in house) they will select “proof of principle” loci for in depth functional characterisation.

The successful applicant will enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team and interacting with our internal and external biology, epidemiology, bioinformatics and statistical collaborators. The post holder will excel in coordinating and exploring medical research areas through exploiting these collaborations, be a fast learner, and will be highly motivated.

Candidates should possess a PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or other relevant discipline; have a strong track record of high quality biomedical research and an appropriate publication record.

This is a fixed term appointment for 3 years in the first instance. Appointments will be made in the range £32,844* - £41,718 p.a. inclusive. Starting salary will be based on previous postdoctoral experience. *£32,844 p.a inclusive for thesis submitted, awaiting PhD award

In addition to annual performance related pay awards, salary scales are reviewed annually.

Annual leave entitlement is 28 days per annum. There is an additional entitlement to 8 bank/public holidays and 3 ICR-set privilege days.

The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for a maximum of 7 years, including any previous postdoctoral employment elsewhere.

More information about the role can be found on our Careers site, job ref. 1128