Post-Doctoral Fellow in Computational Cancer Biology

Institution/Company:
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre - UHN
Location:
Toronto, ON, Canada
Job Type:
  • Postdoctoral
Degree Level Required:
PhD
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Post-Doctoral Fellow in Computational Cancer Biology

The Kridel lab is seeking a talented postdoctoral fellow to lead an ongoing project that aims to establish a definitive, molecular classification system of follicular lymphoma. The ultimate goal is to develop biology-driven biomarkers that will improve patient outcomes. To this effect, we are leveraging large cohorts of primary patient samples from retrospective and clinical trials series for multi-omics characterization and integration. The sample resources are complemented by a large cohort of plasma samples which will allow to translate findings from tissue samples into liquid biopsy-based biomarkers. This project is linked to other similar efforts at our institution, and collaboration with other internal and external groups is ongoing. The successful candidate will be embedded in a rich scientific environment that provides ample opportunities for development of technical, as well as leadership skills. Highly motivated individuals with a desire to make an impact in the field of cancer genomics are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

  • processing of genomic data across multiple data dimensions (DNA methylation, targeted DNA sequencing, RNAseq, single-nuclei RNAseq) in collaboration with our bioinformatics staff
  • integration of data types using clustering approaches
  • critical analysis of results in light of the ambient literature
  • development of a classification model using machine learning
  • liaising with internal and external collaborators
  • summarizing project output for presentations at lab meetings, as well as for external dissemination
  • manuscript writing
  • while funding for this position is available, the successful candidate will be encouraged to apply for internal and external fellowships
  • independent thinking and involvement in the design of future research projects will be strongly encouraged

Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in bioinformatics, computer science, statistics or molecular biology
  • exceptional computational skills
  • experience with cancer genomics
  • excellent communication skills are required
  • willingness to work in a team environment.

Additional Information

We have an interest in B-cell lymphomas and are focusing on scenarios that are associated with poor outcome such as early progression after treatment, transformation to aggressive lymphoma and relapse in the central nervous system. We are applying cutting-edge tools to primary patient samples to unravel tumour heterogeneity and to develop novel, innovative biomarkers to predict outcome in lymphoma. Furthermore, we are leveraging novel findings from discovery platforms to elucidate mechanisms of lymphoma pathogenesis and treatment resistance. Our ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes through a better understanding of the diversity of responses to treatment and by tailoring therapy to each individual patient. See our lab website for further information: https://kridel-lab.ca/.

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC) is one of the top 5 cancer centres in the world. PMCC is a teaching hospital within the University Health Network and affiliated with the University of Toronto, with the largest cancer research program in Canada. This rich working environment provides ample opportunities for collaboration and scientific exchange with a large community of clinical, genomics, computational biology and machine learning groups at the University of Toronto and associated institutions, such as the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Hospital for Sick Children and Donnelly Centre.

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