Research Assistant / Associate in Childhood Cancer Genomics

This is a fixed-term Research Assistant/Associate position focused on childhood cancer genomics using ultra-long and hybrid sequencing to study repetitive DNA and genomic instability. Key responsibilities include developing laboratory protocols, generating sequencing data, and performing bioinformatic analysis. Requirements include practical experience with long-read sequencing, DNA handling, knowledge of cancer genomics, and bioinformatic analysis skills.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Knowledge, Skills and Experience