Download Postdoctoral Position Biostatistics / Systems Medicine: Clinical and

Postdoctoral Position Biostatistics / Systems Medicine: Clinical and pre-clinical
cancer research
Project title: Development of novel systems-based stratification tools for the treatment of
colorectal cancer
Location: Centre for Systems Medicine (CSM) and Department of Physiology and Medical
Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI, Dublin, Ireland)
Supervisor: Prof Jochen Prehn, Director, RCSI Centre for Systems Medicine
The research group of Prof Jochen Prehn at the RCSI Centre for Systems Medicine and the
Department of Physiology and Medical Physics aims to identify novel prognostic and
predictive biomarkers for the clinical management of colorectal cancer and other solid
tumours. The team utilizes genomic and proteomic data sets as well as deterministic and
data-driven systems modelling approaches on large clinical cohorts and pre-clinical cancer
models to develop new stratification tools for genotoxic therapies and targeted therapies.
The group collaborates within large European clinical and preclinical research networks
funded by the European Union, Science Foundation Ireland (two recent Principal
Investigator Awards) and the Irish Cancer Society, as well as with key industrial partners.
The laboratory is located in the heart of Dublin.
Project Objective: To perform research, data integration and data analysis on the SFIfunded research program of Prof Jochen Prehn, to oversee the delivery of the work
programme in the area of systems biology, biostatistics and bioinformatics analysis, and to a
provide statistical support for a strong team of systems biologists and bioinformaticians (6
postdoctoral scientists and 1 PhD student), cancer biologists (5 postdoctoral scientists and 3
PhD students) and clinical researchers in the identification of predictive/prognostic
signatures and patient stratification tools for the treatment of colorectal cancer and other
solid tumors.
Person Specification:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who should be able to demonstrate the
following:
 The candidate should have a higher degree (PhD or Master) in the area of Biostatistics,
Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Software Engineering or a related field,
ideally with programming experience in at least one higher programming language
(C/C++, Visual Basic or MATLAB preferred).
 They should have research experience or background knowledge in the subject areas
described above, and should have demonstrated research accomplishments
documented by publications and/or awards
 They will be required to work independently and to integrate into a strongly
interdisciplinary research environment.
Salary and duration of post: The successful candidate will receive a salary commensurate
with level of experience and the IUA salary scale (€ 35,489 – 41,181 per annum). The
position is offered immediately, however successful applicants should not commence later
than January 2018. The position is funded for two years.
Application procedure: Please send a CV and accompanying documentation (incl
recommendations/references) to [email protected].
Closing date: Applications will be reviewed on an incoming basis, but should be received no
later than Nov 30th, 2016.
Web: http://www.systemsmedicineireland.ie/
Relevant publications:
Lindner AU et al., BCL-2 system analysis identifies high-risk colorectal cancer patients. Gut.
2016 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 27663504.
Salvucci M et al., A stepwise integrated approach to personalized risk predictions in stage III
colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2016 Sep 20. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID:
27649552.
Besenhard MO et al., Modelling tumour cell proliferation from vascular structure using tissue
decomposition into avascular elements. J Theor Biol. 2016 Aug 7;402:129-43.
Lindner AU et al., Systems analysis of BCL2 protein family interactions establishes a model
to predict responses to chemotherapy. Cancer Res. 2013 Jan 15;73(2):519-28.
Huber HJ et al., Glucose metabolism determines resistance of cancer cells to bioenergetic
crisis after cytochrome-c release. Mol Syst Biol. 2011 Mar 1;7:470.