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. 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.

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.