Applications are invited for the position of Research Associate* in Prostate Cancer Screening at the Centre for Genetic Epidemiology (CCGE), within the Department of Public Health and Primary Care (DPHPC), working closely with Professor Nora Pashayan.
The successful candidate will work within the TRANSFORM study (Trial of Randomised Approaches for National Screening for Men), a landmark national prostate cancer screening trial funded by Prostate Cancer UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). TRANSFORM is designed to identify the most effective approach to screening men for prostate cancer and to generate the evidence needed to inform a future national screening programme.
The successful candidate will contribute to the polygenic risk-stratified screening arm of the trial, supporting the calculation of polygenic risk score (PGS) and absolute prostate cancer risk to inform eligibility for MRI screening. The role also involves developing, evaluating, and optimising risk-stratified prostate cancer screening strategies that integrate genetic risk, family history, ethnicity, and screening data.
The postholder will work closely with researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research and the wider TRANSFORM consortium, contributing to the development of innovcative risk-stratified screening approaches with the potential to shape future prostate cancer screening policy and practice.
You will be educated to PhD* level in one of the following subjects Statistics, Biostatistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Operational Research or have equivalent qualifications or equivalent experience. Experience in developing and applying multistate survival models; developing age-, genetics and ethnicity-based absolute risk models, including applying risk thresholds for risk stratification: developing and calibrating simulation models to evaluate risk-stratified screening strategies. Proficiency in Python and/or R for statistical modelling, with experience using high-performance computing. As well as strong written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be awarded appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant, amended to Research Associate when PhD is awarded.
The funding for this post is available until 30 April 2028.
This is a full-time position or part-time of no less than 80% FTE.
Location - Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN (approx 2 miles south of city centre)
Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Nora Pashayan via email [email protected]
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing Date: 16th August 2026
Interview Date: 28th August 2026
Please quote reference RS50457 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
