About us
The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World's leading universities. The Institute draws together over 300 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing better, more effective treatments to improve outcomes for cancer patients. In particular, it fosters links between basic cancer researchers across Biomedicine, and with the clinical activities of our four partner Hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners: University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK.
About the role
A position as a computational scientist is available in the Neurogenesis and Brain Cancer group led by Prof. Simona Parrinello. The team uses a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, including advanced imaging, single cell and spatial 'omics', barcoding, mass cytometry, innovative somatic mouse models and patient tissue to define the biology of glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumour, with the goal to develop novel and conceptually different treatment strategies. Specific areas of focus are the mechanisms by which glioblastoma initiates from normal neural stem cells, how it recurs following treatment and the links between these two processes.
The postholder will exploit a series of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets of glioblastoma initiation and recurrence generated by the team to dissect the cell-intrinsic and microenvironmentally induced mechanisms by which glioblastoma cells drive tumour (re)growth. The successful candidate will apply and develop innovative computational strategies to explore these research questions, including integration of multimodal sequencing and 3D imaging datasets. They will be expected to produce independent and original research in this area, develop and apply new concepts and have a creative approach to problem solving.
The post is funded for 2 years in the first instance.
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you"can leave blank the 'Why you have applied for this role' field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)
Interviews will be held on the 4th and 5th of August 2025.
About you
The successful candidate must hold a PhD in mathematics or computational biology or bioinformatics and a keen interest in cancer biology. Extensive and demonstrated experience in scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, with image analysis experience an advantage. A proven publication record, with first author publications in high impact peer-reviewed international journals is also essential.
Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills are also essential. Applicants must have experience in presenting complex scientific concepts and content both in writing and verbally. They must have a strong commitment to improving outcomes for glioblastoma patients and demonstrate excellent collaborative interpersonal skills with proven experience in working closely with wet lab scientists in a multidisciplinary setting.
The post-holder will be expected to have the ability to assist other members of the team, supervise MSc and PhD students and collaborate with other research groups.
For informal inquiries please contact Prof. Simona Parrinello by email: s.parrinello@ucl.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding the application process please contact Cancer Institute HR Office ci.hr-office@ucl.ac.uk
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below
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o 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
o Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
o Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
o On-Site nursery
o On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
o Employee assistance programme
o Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance
For rewards and benefits at UCL please visit:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ #J-18808-Ljbffr