Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

The Early Cancer Institute is part of the Department of Oncology situated on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. This recently established institute provides an outstanding environment for cancer research, supporting 8 research groups and ~60 bench scientists. The ECI's focus is to conduct world-leading research to understand how cancers develop and seeks to translate this knowledge into new approaches and technologies for early diagnosis. The unit is a key part of the Cambridge Cancer Centre, providing an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with Cambridge colleagues in the biological, clinical, physical, chemical and engineering sciences.

One dedicated and enthusiastic Research Assistant is required to join the oesophago-gastric research group at the Early Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, at the University of Cambridge which is led by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald. Survival statistics for oesophageal adenocarcinoma are dismal and it is the fastest-rising cancer in the developed world. The majority of patients present with advanced disease and most patients who are treated with partial removal of the oesophagus or with oncological therapy do not benefit. The Fitzgerald group is focussed on understanding how cancer of the oesophagus develops in order to develop better clinical tests for early detection, including investigation of the pre-malignant condition Barrett's Oesophagus. (Fitzgerald Group Research).

This position will be involved in our new Cytosponge national screening project (BEST4), co-funded by CRUK, NIHR, and the NHS. Previous work by the lab has shown that use of the Cytosponge in a screening setting can detect up to 10 times more Barrett's in comparison with standard GP care. The BEST4 study aims to be the final push for the transition of the Cytosponge into a routine screening programme, by providing definitive proof that the test improves long term survival and reduces mortality rate for Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

One arm of this study is the use of the Cytosponge to monitor patients who already have a Barrett's diagnosis, with the goal to predict risk of progression. You will be responsible for processing the samples collected under this surveillance arm, including cell pelleting, DNA extraction, and NGS library preparation. In addition, you will be responsible for the sample management for any samples received in the lab, which will include FFPE blocks, blood, and saliva samples. A solid background in cell and molecular biology is essential as well as a willingness to perform sample tracking and basic data analyses. Experience in NGS library preparation is highly desirable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.

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The closing date for applications is: Tuesday 18th April 2023

The interview date for the role is to be confirmed.

Please quote reference RD36017 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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