Research Assistant / Associate in Childhood Cancer Genomics

Salary:

Research Assistance: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate: £36,636 per annum 

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 14 October 2026

The Role

In this role, you will join the research team of Dr Sarra Ryan in the use of ultra-long-reads and hybrid sequencing approaches to explore highly repetitive DNA sequence in relation to genomic instability in childhood cancer. Highly repetitive DNA is impossible to resolve using conventional short-read sequencing technologies. Your role will facilitate the identification of novel genetic variation in poorly explored genomic regions, and in relation to specific forms of genomic instability and childhood cancer development.

You will work closely with internal and external collaborators to develop laboratory protocols to produce ultra-long reads and sequencing data produced from long read (such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies, PacBio) and short read (Illumina) technologies. Furthermore, you will facilitate the bioinformatic analysis of the data with support from biostatisticians within the group. The bioinformatic work will be performed using high performance cloud computing solutions.

This project offers the opportunity to utilise emerging sequencing approaches and develop novel laboratory and bioinformatic approaches for the detection of novel genetic variants in cancer patients.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/

Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/

For informal enquiries contact: Dr Sarra Ryan (sarra.ryan@newcastle.ac.uk)

The post is full time, fixed term for 4 months from 1st October 2026 until 31st January 2027

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Research Associate

• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

• Practical experience with ultra-long and long-read sequencing technologies
• Experience with extracting, handling, quantifying and quality checking high molecular weight DNA (HMW DNA) and preparing HMW DNA for ultra-long sequencing protocols
• Detailed knowledge of cancer genomics and key drivers in cancer development
• Experience with extracting HMW DNA from cell lines and patient material (i.e. blood, tissue)
• Bioinformatic experience for the analysis of sequencing data, and experienced in the use of high-performance cloud computing solutions
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in molecular biology, bioinformatics or cancer genetics

In addition for Research Associate

• PhD in cancer, genomics or bioinformatics.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 29795