Cambridge, UK: Research Associate in Applied Epidemiology & Statistics, Dept of Oncology, University of Cambridge

Research Associate in Applied Epidemiology & Statistics
Department of Oncology
University of Cambridge
£27,183-£35,469

Limit of tenure applies*

The Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a new post on a 5 year programme grant funded by Cancer Research UK. The grant builds on existing programmes investigating inherited susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer based at Strangeways Research Laboratory and the Cancer Genomics Programme based at the Cambridge Research Institute. The overarching theme of this programme is the elucidation of some of the complexity that relates the underlying aetiology of breast and ovarian cancer, to their phenotypic heterogeneity and the clinical characteristics of disease.

We are currently using tissue micro-array technology to generate detailed molecular profiles of breast tumours from women who have taken part in our genetic case-control study. We plan to extend this work to our ovarian cancer case series and to expand our existing international collaborations to include other large scale case series with comparable data to investigate scientific questions requiring very large sample sizes. The successful candidate will be part of a small team responsible for several components of data analysis in the programme. Specific tasks will include: 1) Implementation of multivariate models in the analysis of the molecular phenotype of breast tumours using data generated from the immunohistochemical analysis of breast tumour tissue microarrays. 2) Evaluation and implementation of different methods to deal with missing data - a major problem in multi-variate analysis of data generated from tissue micro-arrays. 3) To relate the molecular phenotype to both genetic susceptibility and clinical outcome. Some analyses will be part of the data analyses within large multi-study consortia. There will also be the opportunity to work on datasets generated by our large scale genetic association studies. In addition, the post holder will be expected to advise provide statistical support to other members of the group.

The successful candidate will have a masters or doctorate in statistics or epidemiology with experience of using standard biostatistical software. (S)he will be able to work independently and as part of a team. Experience in programming, genetic epidemiology or applied statistics and data management will be an advantage.

Further particulars are available from Debra Rixon on djr53@cam.ac.uk.
Completed applications consisting of a PD17 form (parts I and III) (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/pd17/), CV and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Debra Rixon via email: djr53@cam.ac.uk or to her at the Department of Oncology, Hutchison / MRC Research Centre, Box 197, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ.


* The funds for this post are available until 30th September 2013 in the first instance.

Closing date: 14 November 2008.