Research Associate

About the role

The postdoctoral post is funded by Cancer Research UK, and hosted in the OCA Research Centre (http://www.imperial.ac.uk/ovarian-cancer-action-research-centre/).

You will take a lead role in a newly funded multi-disciplinary project grant for early detection of ovarian cancer called the Cancer Loyalty Card Study-2 (CLOCS-2). The purpose of this post is to investigate a novel method for earlier detection of cancer. We have hypothesised that changes in purchasing behaviour, primarily an increase in self-medication to treat vague cancer symptoms, may provide a novel avenue for earlier diagnosis for cancer. We will work with two high street retailers and utilise the large existing datasets in their loyalty card programmes from participants who consent to the study.

Our previous research has shown that ovarian cancer patients may be purchasing medication to treat their cancer symptoms up to 8 months prior to their diagnosis. Working with behavioural scientists we have also shown that the general public find that linking data such as loyalty card purchases with health outcome data is acceptable and an exciting opportunity.

What you would be doing

In this project we aim to recruit a case-control study of 1450 cancer patients and 1450 healthy control subjects and interrogate their purchases over the six years prior to recruitment.

The main objective of this research is to develop a big data driven test for cancer early detection that could be used for the general population.

The post holder will be a data scientist who can carry out dry lab (bioinformatics, biostatistics, epidemiology) research, participate in project management and student supervision. They will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

Duties and responsibilities

• To plan and conduct scientific work using existing data and newly generated data in consultation with the Group Leader.
• Timely execution of work within the timeframe dictated by the grant awarding body
• To communicate research findings succinctly and clearly to colleagues, collaborators and participate in research meetings.
• To provide guidance and supervision to staff and students (MSc, BSc and PhD) and to visiting researchers, pertaining to the funded project
• To actively participate in writing up their work for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• To prepare and present data from research in national and international conferences
• To actively participate in writing applications for funding
• Any other duties that may be deemed reasonable and in accordance with the requirements of the project

What we are looking for

• PhD in Life Sciences or Computing or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to conduct data science research
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This position is a full time, fixed-term contract until 30 October 2026 at Hammersmith Campus.

The appointed candidate will need to complete an Occupational Health form or health assessment.

Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged. Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr James Flanagan – [email protected].

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

• download: Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf
• download: Research Associate Job Description.pdf

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