Staff scientist in GBM Spatial Multi-omics

The opportunity:

The Bayraktar group is seeking a staff scientist to explore how the tumour microenvironment (TME) drives malignant cell states in glioblastoma (GBM) using large-scale spatial multi-omics. Our exciting “GBM-space” project brings together an international collaboration funded by Wellcome LEAP to integrate single cell transcriptomics, epigenomics and spatial RNA/DNA-sequencing to systematically deconstruct TME-GBM cell interactions and plasticity in situ.

The team:

The Bayraktar group studies the cellular wiring of human tissues using spatial genomics, focusing on brain development and disease. Our highly collaborative and international team has expertise in single cell/spatial genomics, microscopy and multi-modal data analysis. The GBM-space project led by Dr. Bayraktar brings us together with other experts in bioinformatics, cancer and neurodevelopment across Cambridge, DFKZ and the Crick.

About the role/you:

You will coordinate single cell and spatial multi-omic data collection and troubleshooting for the GBM-space project. You will be responsible for optimising nuclei extraction and 10X multi-ome protocols (joint snRNA-ATAC-seq) on human GBM resection tissue samples, including testing automated tissue processing protocols. You will organise paired single cell and spatial transcriptomics experiments, perform snRNA-ATAC-seq and coordinate with staff running Visium spatial transcriptomics. Finally, your future work will involve onboarding new multi-omics technologies such as SNARE-seq2 and CUT&Tag.

You are expected to bring strong single cell transcriptomics/epigenomics, next generation sequencing and R&D skills to this role. You must have strong organisational and interpersonal skills to manage large-scale experiments and closely coordinate with staff members working on the GBM-space project. You will be expected to eventually line manage a research assistant. You will be embedded in a world-leading and multidisciplinary research environment and become a valued member of our team.

Relevant publications of the team:

Cell2location maps fine-grained cell types in spatial transcriptomic data. Kleshchevnikov V, Shmatko A….Stegle O, Bayraktar OA. bioRxiv 2020 https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.11.15.378125 (Nature Biotechnology in press).

Transcriptome-wide spatial RNA profiling maps the cellular architecture of the developing human neocortex. Roberts K, Aivazidis A...Hemberg M, Bayraktar OA. bioRxiv 2021 https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.20.436265<>< a=""> />
Astrocyte layers in the mammalian cerebral cortex revealed by a single-cell in situ transcriptomic map. Bayraktar OA*, Bartels T…Geschwind DH, Rowitch DH*. Nature Neuroscience 2020.

Essential Skills
Technical Skillset

PhD in relevant wet-lab subject (e.g. Molecular Biology, Cancer, Developmental biology)
Post-doctoral experience including proven track record (publications and meetings) in field of expertise
Experience in single cell transcriptomic and/or epigenomic techniques
Experience with managing/responsibility for scientific projects
Experience in practical molecular biology and sequencing applications
Ability to test, implement and troubleshoot new approaches and techniques
Competency/Behavioural Skillset

Motivation and ambition to make a personal contribution to GRL research
Excellent communication skills to allow efficient interactions with collaborators
Team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment
Ability to effectively prioritise, multi-task and work independently
Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for all
Other information
Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role addressing the criteria set out above and in the job description.

This is a rolling advert, we will consider applications and hold interviews on an ongoing basis so the role may close early if a successful appointment is made.<>