About us

The Sailem Group is a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to developing computational and AI-driven approaches to enhance cancer patient outcomes. Our work integrates deep learning, computer vision, and bioinformatics to extract meaningful insights from complex biological data.

A key focus of our group is the identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers from whole slide histopathology images and spatial transcriptomics and proteomics data. By leveraging large-scale datasets, we aim to uncover patterns that can improve cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment stratification.

To achieve these goals, we develop advanced machine learning methodologies, particularly weakly supervised learning approaches, to analyze and classify imaging and transcriptomics data. Our research emphasizes explainability and robustness to ensure that AI-driven insights are reliable and clinically relevant.

We collaborate closely with experts in pathology, oncology, and biology to translate our findings into real-world applications. For more information about our research and collaborations, visit the Biomedical AI and Data Science Group website:  www.hebasailem.com.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team, contributing to cutting-edge research at the intersection of cancer biology, artificial intelligence, and biomedical data science. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of cancer research, developing computational approaches to analyze complex biological data and uncover insights that can improve patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD (or be near completion) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. Candidates with extensive research or industrial experience will also be considered. You will collaborate closely with both computational and experimental researchers, bridging the gap between AI-driven analysis and biological discovery. Your primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing bioinformatics pipelines, analyzing high-dimensional datasets—including whole slide histopathology images and multi-omics data—and integrating diverse data sources to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

In addition to conducting high-impact research, you will contribute to scientific publications, present findings at conferences, and support grant applications. We are looking for a proactive individual with strong problem-solving skills, excellent teamwork and communication abilities, and a passion for leveraging AI and data science to advance cancer research.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for an initial period of 18 months, with the possibility of extension.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

1. Have PhD in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, or another related area.
2. Excellent programming skills in Python or R.  
3. Good communication and team working skills, both written and oral, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
4. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team
5. Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in working with spatial transcriptomics data 
2. Experience with deep learning approaches
3. Experience in large-scale image-based phenotyping  
4. Experience in multi-modal data integration
5. Experience with data visualisation and web applications development 

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

Grade and Salary: £44,105 - £51,485 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 107685
Close Date: 16-Mar-2025
Contact Person: Dr Heba Sailem
Contact Details: Heba.sailem@kcl.ac.uk