Research Technician

About us

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World's leading universities. The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. In particular, it fosters links between basic cancer researchers across Biomedicine and with the clinical activities of our four partner hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners (University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK. The Institute has greater clinical links than any comparable centre in the UK, creating a unique opportunity for significant impact on the delivery of clinical service to cancer patients. The Cancer Institute includes the Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre which is one of the largest cancer trials centres in the UK conducting multi-centre national and international phase III trials, feasibility studies and early phase I and II studies. Also embedded within the UCL Cancer Institute, the CRUK-UCL Centre provides essential infrastructure to support 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. Furthermore, the Institute offers educational programmes that reflect the depth and breadth of research expertise that include BSc Cancer Biomedicine, iBSc Oncology, MSc Cancer and PhD studies. Further Information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/

About the role

A position for a technician is available in the group led by Dr Rob Sellar focusing on Leukaemia biology and targeted protein degradation. The group aims to develop a large panel of edited cell lines and CRIPSR libraries to study clonal haematopoiesis, leukaemia biology, and new drugs based on thalidomide analogues that can degrade biologically important cancer targets. We also use genetic screening approaches to identify resistance pathways, novel models, and assays to assess primary patient samples through collaborations within UCL, the Crick Institute, The City of Hope (California), and The Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam). We are seeking a highly motivated research technician, with extensive experience in primary cell culture and molecular biology. The main objective of the post will be to help create, maintain, and interrogate the lines. Techniques employed will include cloning, CRISPR editing, flow cytometry, and lentiviral work. The post-holder will also be expected to assist other members of the group in a variety of experimental techniques and to contribute to the organisation and smooth running of the group. Applicants should have at least a BSc degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related discipline. Applicants must have demonstrable wet bench work experience. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills are essential. Experience of tissue culture and primary culture of patient samples would be an advantage. A relevant Master’s degree would also be advantageous. Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please evidence the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the “Why you have applied for this role” field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow). The post is funded for one year in the first with the possibility to extend. Interviews for this position will be on the 22nd of May.

About you

Successful candidates must have a BSc degree or equivalent in subject relevant to research activity (biology/life sciences) and practical experience of applying specialist skills and techniques required for the role. Understanding of principals of genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein degradation is essential. Masters degree in Life Sciences, experience in other standard laboratory techniques, including western blotting, qPCR, flow cytometry, microscopy and research experience in genetic aberrations and their cellular consequences are desirable but not essential.

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/