Research Assistant

Description:

This role will lead preclinical research into Malignant Rhabdoid Tumours (MRT), a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. The aim is to develop and characterise patient-derived tumour models to test new therapeutic targets that exploit vulnerabilities from SMARCB1 gene loss.

The post offers the opportunity to build expertise in in vivo modelling, molecular profiling, and drug testing with access to advanced facilities and mentoring. The research will contribute to establishing a standardised testing platform for MRT therapies, identifying novel drug targets, and generating evidence for clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research under PI guidance, contributing innovative technical/methodological input.

• Develop appropriate methodologies and perform in vitro and in vivo experiments.

• Maintain rigorous records, assess findings, and identify follow-up research needs.

• Contribute to grant applications, research publications, and conference presentations.

• Support undergraduate/postgraduate research projects as needed.

• Engage with internal teams, national, and international collaborators.

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all work.

Essential Requirements:

• Proven laboratory skills in cell and molecular biology, including drug screening.

• Understanding of molecular basis of childhood brain tumours.

• Omics analysis experience.

• Strong analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and in teams with precision and attention to detail.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in in vivo cancer model development and pre-clinical trials.

• Knowledge of bioinformatics (e.g., R statistical environment).

• Experience with patient-derived xenograft preparation, lentiviral transduction, FACS analysis, and tumour cell injections.

• Home Office PIL (AB&C).

Why Join:

• Work at a world-leading research institution with a collaborative, inclusive culture.

• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and expert mentoring.

• Opportunity to influence future MRT treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

• Comprehensive benefits package including pension, holidays, and wellbeing support.