Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioinformatics to join the Shcherbo Lab at the Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London. The successful candidate will develop and apply computational methods for the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing data, supporting a growing research program at the intersection of epigenomics and translational medicine. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to work on innovative liquid biopsy methods with potential clinical applications and to gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies. The post holder will work closely with experimental scientists and clinical partners and will have access to high-performance computing facilities.

About You

The successful candidate should have a PhD (or be nearing completion) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related field, and proven experience in analysing high-throughput sequencing data. They will be proficient in R and/or Python and comfortable with Unix/Linux systems and high-performance computing clusters. Experience in epigenomic data analysis, especially DNA methylation sequencing, is preferred, along with knowledge of workflow management systems. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented collaborator with strong communication skills, capable of working effectively with both experimental scientists and clinical partners, while also demonstrating research independence.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003, one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 350 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

The post holder will join a research programme in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) epigenetics, primarily working on a project that explores innovative liquid biopsy techniques for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. This project involves creating and applying computational tools to analyse whole-genome methylation sequencing data, including deconvolution algorithms to determine tissue-of-origin signals and gene expression patterns from cfDNA. Additionally, the role provides opportunities to participate in ongoing cfDNA bioinformatics projects, contribute to grant applications and publications, and supervise students.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.