Research Fellow – Leukaemia Biology Group

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to join the Leukaemia Biology Group at the UCL Cancer Institute.

Our group works on acute leukaemia, with a primary focus on adult and paediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). We believe that an in depth understanding of the genetics and biology of T-ALL will ultimately enable us to develop novel therapeutics that can be rapidly moved into clinical trials through our close ties with UCLH and Great Ormond Street Hospital, two of the largest malignant haematology centres in Europe.

The successful candidate will join an exciting project, funded through a CRUK Programme Foundation Award, seeking to discover novel mechanisms of oncogene activation occurring through enhancer dysregulation, with a focus on noncoding somatic mutations. We are particularly interested in dissecting how TAL1, together with its partners MYB and GATA3, drive gene activation and oncogenesis, and we have identified a number of promising therapeutic avenues that require further investigation. The project spans both basic and translational science, the relative focus of which can be somewhat adapted to the interest of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate is expected to lead lab work related to the project, and to provide supervision to students as required. Depending on the candidate’s skillset and desire, they may also be involved in development of mouse models, although this is not requisite. They will be expected to have excellent skills in molecular biology and experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Furthermore, they will be expected to work closely with the study bioinformatician to analyse data and collate results for presentation and publication.

The post is funded for 2 years in the first instance.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

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.)

About you

This is a challenging post for a talented and enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in molecular biology, epigenetics and tissue culture. The successful applicant must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in biomedical sciences or a related biological sciences subject and BSc in biomedical sciences or a related subject 2:1 or above.

Advanced understanding of epigenetics, ability to teach and supervise technicians and to work collaboratively in a team are essential.

Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and other forms of public presentation and experience in design and running of murine models are desirable but not essential.

For rewards and benefits at UCL please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits

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

Customer advert reference: B02-09055

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