Research Associate

Location/campus Hammersmith Hospital (Cross-site, including NHS partner sites)

About the role

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team delivering the National Prostate Cancer Bio-Digital Twin. The Twin will support TRANSFORM Discovery, the translational part of the national prostate screening study TRANSFORM, funded by PCUK and NIHR in partnership with other key funding stakeholders.

Our over-arching aim is to capture digital data & process biospecimen from the trial for:

1. biomarker testing at scale and pace,
2. translational & discovery science and
3. the simulation of in silico trials to inform clinical care.

The study plans to recruit up to 300,000 men and to capture associated digital and biological measures that will support cutting edge studies that will transform outcomes for men with prostate cancer across the world.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for an ambitious post-doctoral researcher to initiate and develop an independent molecular biology/translational research project using data within TRANSFORM.  The post-holder will directly contribute to the establishment, development and delivery TRANSFORM Discovery whilst growing an independent programme under senior mentorship. This opportunity will allow development of new studies spanning discovery, translational and clinical biology towards the development of new treatments, diagnostics and technologies, that benefit patients and communities affected by prostate cancer across the UK and internationally.

What you would be doing

You will help undertake and oversee the day-to-day sample processing for tissue types (e.g. bloods, urine, microbiome, prostate tissue) into molecular components (DNA, RNA, protein) and oversee data-generation (e.g. high through-put multi-omic sequencing), implementing governance frameworks and auditing to ensure the translational work is conducted to the highest scientific and regulatory standards.

You will deliver and publish a whole genome sequencing project, developing analytic pipeline and identify germline characteristics that determine prostate cancer risk. You will be expected to develop additional streams of research relating to translational prostate cancer biology and seek additional external funding.

What we are looking for

You must have post-doctoral level research laboratory experience in cell and molecular biology and demonstrable experience in contemporary high throughput molecular biology methods, including sequencing (e.g. DNA, methylation, transcriptomics) proteomics, metabolomics and microscopy. You must have a high impact publication record (including first author).

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a full-time fixed-term position available with a start date in September 2025.

Appointments will usually be made at the start of the salary scale dependent on experience.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Rakesh Heer (r.heer@imperial.ac.uk)

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