Post-Doctoral Scientist

We are seeking suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Post-Doctoral Scientist position at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. About the Research Programme: Cancer disproportionately affects Asians, accounting for 60% of global cancer deaths, and half of which are preventable through early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, limited financial and infrastructural resources hinder widespread cancer screening in many Asian countries, making a targeted approach—focusing on those at highest risk—a practical solution. Our research program aims to enhance cancer risk assessment through precise, data-driven models. We conduct interdisciplinary research on breast cancer prediction in Asian populations, with a portfolio of studies involving over 60,000 participants. Notably, we developed the Asian breast cancer polygenic risk score (Ho et al., Nature Communications 2020; Genetics in Medicine 2022) and characterised the penetrance of germline variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Asian women (Ho et al., Lancer Regional Health, Western Pacific). Our work is supported by international funders, including the Wellcome Trust (UK), NIH R01 Grant (US), and Basser Grant (US). Scope / Purpose of Job: To open new avenues of research, we seek a highly motivated Post-doctoral Scientist to conduct research on novel approaches for disease risk prediction, with a particular focus on breast cancer. The role involves actively conducting research to explore the potential of hormonal, inflammatory, and multi-omic biomarkers, as well as investigating emerging methodologies in risk assessment. An immediate priority will be contributing to an ongoing study to determine the impact of lifestyle and reproductive factors on the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in Asian BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers. The postdoc will also oversee the recruitment of the Women’s Health Study, a longitudinal cohort integrating genetic, lifestyle, blood biomarkers and mammogram data. The postdoc will work within a collaborative environment, with access to large, well-characterised datasets and international expertise, contributing to high-impact publications and future funding applications. This role offers opportunities to take increasing ownership of projects, develop independent research questions, and play a key role in shaping the research direction. Roles and responsibilities include: 1. To investigating the impact of lifestyle and reproductive factors on breast and ovarian cancer risk in Asian BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers. 2. To explore and evaluate hormonal, inflammatory, and multi-omic biomarkers in risk assessment. 3. To oversee the Women’s Health Study, ensuring efficient recruitment and adherence to ethical and regulatory protocols. 4. To work collaboratively with national and international research teams, leveraging expertise across disciplines. 5. To ensure that research programmes meet external and internal milestones, and to be responsible for drafting and submitting the necessary reports. 6. To supervise and mentor junior researchers, students and other internal as well as external scientists, as required; 7. Other responsibilities include: a. To undertake other administrative tasks as required Person specifications: 1. PhD in Genetics, Epidemiology, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or relevant expertise; 2. Proficient in programming languages (e.g., R, Python) and Linux environments. 3. Track record of presenting scientific results both in spoken (conference) or written (publication) form is an advantage. 4. Experience in study design and grant writing is an advantage. 5. Driven by a strong sense of making an impact, with problem solving skills, including conflict resolution skills 6. Ability to prioritize workload and work to deadlines. 7. Proactive attitude towards work. 8. Assumes full responsibilities within role