Ref Number
B02-07900
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£35,630–£41,005
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
12-Nov-2024

About us

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading universities (www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer). The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into better, more effective treatments to improve outcomes for cancer patients. It fosters links between basic cancer researchers across biomedicine and the clinical activities with our associated hospital Trusts, including UCL Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Foundation Trust.

Embedded within the UCL Cancer Institute, the CRUK City of London Centre provides essential infrastructure to underpin cancer research within UCL and is a major catalyst in the success of UCL in integrating translational and clinical cancer research with excellent basic science.

The Research Technician will be part of the Molecular Biology of Cancer Laboratory (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/research/department-cancer-biology/molecular-biology-cancer-research-group) at the UCL Cancer Institute led by Dr Ivana Bjedov. The Bjedov laboratory is interested in two tightly interconnected biological processes: ageing and cancer (Martinez-Miguel, V. et al. 2021 PMID 34525330; Stead E. R. et al. 2021 PMID 34102225; Bjedov I et al. 2020 PMID 33253201; Castillo-Quan J. I. et al. 2019 PMID 31570569). More precisely, we are interested in leveraging recent developments in the ageing filed to protect normal tissue from the side effects of radiation therapy.

About the role

This job presents an exciting opportunity to explore DNA repair and radiation protection from original perspective using novel technology and approaches. It also presents an exciting collaborative opportunity to learn from leaders in those fields.

Significant progress has been made over the years in the delivery of radiotherapy, however, there are still no effective radioprotectors available. Therefore, this project aims to bring together novel methodologies and approaches to improve the protection of normal tissue, reducing long-term radiation toxicity. This is a collaborative project with leading experts from different fields (Prof. Simon Boulton (The Crick, London), Prof. Owen Sansom (CRUK Beatson, Glasgow), Prof. Bart Vanhaesebroeck (UCL)) where there will be the opportunity to explore and learn about DNA repair, chromatin, and colorectal cancer from an innovative perspective. The research will be conducted in a laboratory that combines cellular biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in biology with translational relevance. The project will involve the use of cell lines, organoids, and mice to test cutting-edge approaches.

The post is available from November 2024 at grade 6 (salary £35,630 – £41,005) and is funded for 2 years with a possibility of extension.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. If you have any informal queries about the role, please contact Dr Ivana Bjedov at i.bjedov@ucl.ac.uk

About you

The Research Technician will hold a BSc in Molecular Biology or a related field. They must have experience in working in a scientific laboratory and molecular biology, while being proficient in cell culture, organoid work, and microscopy is an advantage. The holder will be expected to help with work related to the subject area of DNA repair, chromatin, radiation and cancer biology, therefore knowledge of these area is an advantage, as is a productive track record. The project will include running experiments, recording, analysing and writing up results, as well as occasionally presenting results at regular laboratory meetings.

The candidate must have a strong interest in biological research and commitment to high-quality research with ability to perform experiments with attention to detail. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate participation in a research group, and communication with other members of the lab.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/