Feasibility of developing an algorithm to diagnose clonality in lymphoid proliferations using next generation sequencing.

One of the main areas of growth in the biomedical sciences sector is the generation and analysis of large-scale clinical and pathological datasets. Such analyses require skilled individuals with deep knowledge of the biology and clinical questions posed in the healthcare industry and the needs of the patient population.

Univ8 Genomics Ltd (Univ8) is developing a range of next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests and associated bioinformatics pipelines for analysis of DNA from multiple tumour types. This project aims to second a talented post-doctoral research fellow from QUB to develop deep-learning algorithms to perform high-quality analysis of clinical NGS data in a wide range of cancers.

Additionally, the seconded scientist will have access to data from collaborations between Univ8 and academic/clinical institutions across Europe to further refine the algorithms and create new diagnostic classification tools for multiple cancer types, based on the data generated with Univ8's range of NGS assays.

The project will provide unique access to clinical and biological datasets to the seconded researcher, with support from Univ8's bioinformaticians and collaborators to develop new bioinformatic skills, which can significantly help the future career of the researcher as it will complement his existing biological and laboratory skills. This in turn will result in high impact publications and potentially REF impact cases for the seconded researcher and QUB.