Research Assistant in Computational Cancer Biology

Ref Number

B

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

£36,433-£41,833

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

13-Nov-2025

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World's leading universities. It fosters links between basic cancer researchers across biomedicine and with the clinical activities of our four partner hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners (University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK. The Institute has greater clinical links than any comparable centre in the UK, creating a unique opportunity for significant impact on the delivery of clinical service to cancer patients.

The Cancer Institute includes the Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre which is one of the largest cancer trials centres in the UK conducting multi-centre national and international phase III trials, feasibility studies and early phase I and II studies. Also embedded within the UCL Cancer Institute is the CRUK City of London Centre, a world class hub for cancer biotherapeutics which fosters collaboration between researchers at University College London, King's College London, Barts Cancer Institute (Queen Mary University of London), and The Francis Crick Institute. Furthermore, the Institute offers educational programmes that reflect the depth and breadth of research expertise that include BSc Cancer Biomedicine, MSci Cancer Biomedicine, iBSc Oncology, MSc Cancer and PhD studies.

Further Information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website

This is a post in Professor Jasmin Fisher's laboratory at the Cancer Institute in UCL. The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London. The institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to study cancer and translate research discoveries into developing better, more effective treatments to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Research Assistant to join the Fisher laboratory which develops state-of-the-art computational models to investigate cancer evolution and mechanisms of treatment resistance in order to find new therapeutic strategies that can be translated into clinical trials and improve the outcome of cancer patients.

For more details about the Fisher lab, please visit:

The post holders will be expected to make significant contributions to the development and analysis of a triple-negative breast cancer computational model. This will involve data analysis and computational modelling.

This is a full-time position funded for 5 months, subject to probationary requirements.

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the 'Why you have applied for this role' field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)

Candidates should hold a MSc or MPhil in either biology, physics or computational biology, with substantial experience in computational modelling work. Candidates should have experience in analysing cancer genomic data and excellent programming skills in R. Programming in Python and MATLAB is beneficial. Previous experience in cancer research and logical modelling is essential. Background in formal verification methods, game theory, statistical analysis and mathematical modelling would be an advantage. Candidates will need to have the initiative to work independently and as part of a team. Due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of this project, effective communication skills are key.

Applicants must have experience in presenting complex scientific concepts and content both in writing and verbally. They will show a strong commitment to the Fisher lab mission and embody its values through excellent collaborative interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team are essential. The post-holder will be expected to have the ability to assist other members of the Fisher lab, collaborate with external research groups, and contribute to the organisation and smooth operation of the Fisher lab.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Please visit to find out more.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here