Research Associate

Location: South Kensington Campus  

Job Summary

Applications are invited for a Medical Research Council-funded post-doctoral research position to work on the project “Oncogenic signalling crosstalk with intracellular trafficking underpinning early metastatic events” in the Laboratory of Dr Vania Braga.

The project will expand our exciting model published here to investigate the perturbation of cell-cell contacts by oncogenic signalling leading to cell detachment from solid tumours and metastasis (see Erasmus et al., J Cell Biol., (2021) 220 (6): e202002114; doi: 10.1083/jcb.202002114). Increased levels of the small GTPase Rac1 in vivo have been reported in breast, colon and head and neck cancers, and high levels of activating mutations detected in melanoma and head and neck cancers. Such abnormal Rac1 activation promotes malignancy as it correlates with increased invasion and metastatic potential in tumour cell lines. 

The project will investigate the molecular mechanisms via which inappropriate Rac1activation triggers cell-cell contact disruption, one of the early signs of tumour de-differentiation and metastasis. More specifically, the project aims to dissect the cross-talk between Rac1 signalling pathways that modulate intracellular trafficking of E-cadherin, the main cell-cell adhesion receptor of epithelial cells. The project will address fundamental questions on (i) how signalling is locally and temporally regulated by oncogenes and (ii) which trafficking routes are selectively modulated to influence the rate of delivery, internalization and turnover of adhesion receptors.

The project will provide an exceptional interdisciplinary training for the appointed person. It will use a variety of techniques in biochemistry and molecular cell biology, including RNAi screen, protein-protein interactions, GTPase signalling and adhesion assays, microscopy (wide-field, confocal/TIRF and super-resolution), live imaging, FRET/FLIM and quantitative image analysis. In collaboration with Dr Sam Au (Bioengineering Department, Imperial College), microchannel devices will be developed to investigate tumour cell behaviour. 

Duties and responsibilities

• To actively participate in the research programme of the Group
• To conduct and take initiatives in the planning of own scientific work with appropriate supervision
• To identify and develop suitable techniques and apparatus for the project
• To maintain highly organised, accurate and complete records of all experimental work
• To always ensure the validity and reliability of data
• To write reports for submission to research sponsors
• Contribute to bids for research grants
• To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars 

Essential requirements

• Research Associate: Hold or be about to obtain a PhD in Cell Biology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Research Assistant: Near completion of a PhD in Cell Biology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including cell biology, biochemistry, and signalling.

Further Information

This is a full time and fixed term post for 3 years. You will be based at the Hammersmith Campus (East Acton).

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Vania Braga (v.braga@imperial.ac.uk).

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

Closing Date: 22 Feb 23

To apply, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs and search by the job reference MED03642.

Advert information