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. 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.

About the role

This role will involve working in the gene therapy program to support ongoing projects and extend the application of gene therapy to a wider range of disorders through the development of next generation of gene transfer vectors designed to improve safety and efficiency of gene transfer.


The purpose of this position is to work in the immunotherapy area for in vitro and in vivo evaluation to generate data to support Phase I/II trials in humans. Key duties include molecular cloning of required constructs, purification of recombinant proteins and viral vectors, cell culture column chromatography and flow cytometry. Assistance with bio service work relating to clinical studies will also be undertaken.

About you

You must have a BSC or equivalent experience. You must have experience with molecular cloning. It is desirable to have experience with design and construction and recombinant protein production and purification.

You must know certain molecular biology techniques like DNA/RNA extraction. It is essential that you have experience in protein analysis by Western blot, ELISA.

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/

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