Job Description

We are looking for a Postdoctoral fellow to develop computational approaches to prioritise drugs and drug targets for cancer therapeutics. 

Our group is generally interested in studying genotype to phenotype associations by taking into account structural and cell biology knowledge. Within this broad scope we have, for example, integrated different variant effect predictors (www.mutfunc.com) in order to interpret the molecular consequences that are intermediate between genotype and phenotype. The applicant would aim to develop novel frameworks to integrate cancer cell line CRISPR and drug screening information with other small-molecule, structural and proteomics data. The aims of this work would include the identification of novel drug targets, the study of drug mode-of-action and stratification of patients for therapeutics. 

This project will be conducted in collaboration with members of the DepMap consortium (http://depmap.org/sanger). Together with other partners DepMap aims to identify targetable vulnerabilities in cancer cells. The groups involved in this project have characterized up to 1,000 cancer cell lines using high throughput omics approaches and have screened large scale drug panels to assess line-specific sensitivities. On-going work is now accessing for growth defects in gene knock out studies with CRISPR/Cas9. This initiative and this post are funded by Open Targets (https://www.opentargets.org), a unique pre-competitive collaboration of companies and research institutions.   Open Targets is a pioneering public-private partnership between Biogen, Celgene, EMBL-EBI, GSK, Sanger Institute and Takeda, located on the Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. Open Targets aims to generate evidence on the biological validity of therapeutic targets and provide an initial assessment of the likely effectiveness of pharmacological intervention on these targets, using genome-scale experiments and analysis. Open Targets aims to provide an R&D framework that applies to all aspects of human disease, and to share its data openly with the scientific community. 

Qualifications and Experience

Considered applicants must hold a PhD in Life Sciences with experience in computational biology. The ideal candidate will have expertise in analysis of large-scale cancer genomics data. Experience in structural bioinformatics, pocket analysis, drug target predictions and/or chemical-informatics are considered an asset. The post holder should enjoy working in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Good written and oral communication skills are essential.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to pbeltrao@ebi.ac.uk

Benefits

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme and health insurance, educational and other family related benefits where applicable, as well as financial support for relocation and installation. 

We have an informal culture, international working environment and excellent professional development opportunities but one of the really amazing things about us is the concentration of technical and scientific expertise – something you probably won’t find anywhere else. 

If you’ve ever visited the campus you’ll have experienced first-hand our friendly, collegial and supportive atmosphere, set in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. Our staff also enjoy excellent sports facilities including a gym, a free shuttle bus, an on-site nursery, cafés and restaurant and a library. 
 

Application Instructions

To apply please submit a covering letter and CV, with two referees, through our online system. 

Additional Information

Applications are welcome from all nationalities - visa information will be discussed in more depth with applicants selected for interview.

EMBL-EBI is committed to achieving gender balance and strongly encourages applications from women, who are currently under-represented at all levels. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

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