Artificial intelligence and deep learning approaches for deciphering genome regulation in carcinogenic systems

Background:

The Samarajiwa lab (http://www.mrc-cu.cam.ac.uk/samarajiwa.html) integratively studies how the perturbations of gene, (epi)genome and chromatin structure regulation contributes to carcinogenic processes. Large multi-dimensional datasets from experimental studies (both functional genomic and cancer genomic data) will form the raw material to develop state-of-the-art hybrid computational biology and artificial intelligence based approaches to understand and discover regulatory rules in pro and anti carcinogenic processes.

The project:

Supervised by Dr. Shamith Samarajiwa at the MRC cancer unit (A department within the clinical school, University of Cambridge), deep learning (and machine learning) approaches will be developed to discover higher-level regulatory features in multidimensional genomic data-sets and to improve performance over traditional statistical or computational models. A potential outcome would be to gain an understanding of interacting regulatory layers within complex biomedical datasets, with the long-term aim of identifying regulatory processes that can be targeted for designing anti-cancer therapeutics. This multidisciplinary project will provide the ideal candidate with the required quantitative skills an exciting opportunity to build expertise in computational genomics, data science and cancer systems biology.

The Person:

The successful candidate should have a good first degree in a quantitative field (mathematics, computer science, data science, statistics, engineering or physics) and preferably a Masters degree in deep learning, machine learning or computational biology (with machine learning expertise). Whilst an enthusiasm for learning biology is desirable, knowledge of biology is not required.

Eligibility and Funding:

This studentship is funded by the Medical Research Council and are open to UK and EU applicants only. Other international students are not eligible to apply. UK applicants will be eligible to receive full funding of University and College fees and a stipend of £18,000 p.a. EU applicants will be funded on a fees-only basis, unless they meet the MRC's eligibility criteria (visit the MRC website for further details: www.mrc.ac.uk/skills-careers/studentships/studentship-guidance/student-eligibility-requirements/) Successful applicants will be registered with the University of Cambridge.

Further details: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/15152/

Application Deadline: 30th November