Research Assistant in Cancer Immunotherapy and Protein Therapeutics (Fixed term)

We wish to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr Rahul Roychoudhuri within the Division of Immunology at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge (https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/directory/rahul-roychoudhuri).

The immune system has a powerful ability to recognize and kill cancer cells, but its function is often suppressed within tumours, preventing clearance of disease. Understanding how tumors suppress immunity has led to major therapeutic advances, including checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4. However, most patients do not durably respond to today's immunotherapies  [Refs 1-5].

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel biologic agents that harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer.  The project will focus on developing novel protein-based immunotherapeutics designed to deplete suppressive immune cell populations within tumours while sparing healthy tissues.

The successful applicant will join a large, friendly, and collaborative team of researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources at the centre of Cambridge. The role will involve a broad range of experimental approaches in protein biochemistry, molecular and cellular immunology, and in vivo disease models. The applicant will gain experience in techniques such as protein expression and purification, biochemical conjugation methods, tissue culture, flow cytometry, and analysis of immune responses in cancer models.

We are looking for a highly organised, enthusiastic, and collaborative individual. Experience in protein biochemistry and molecular biology is highly desirable, particularly in areas such as western blotting, recombinant protein production and protein purification techniques, molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture. Experience with bioconjugation chemistry or protein engineering would be advantageous but not essential. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are desirable.

This position offers unique training opportunities in translational cancer immunotherapy research. The applicant will benefit from the collaborative and collegial environment of the laboratory, the Department and from collaborations with protein engineering experts and the Cancer Research Horizons translational development team.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

For more information on the work of the Roychoudhuri group, please visit https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/directory/rahul-roychoudhuri For informal enquiries, or to find out specific details about available projects in the laboratory, please email rr257@cam.ac.uk

For enquiries on the application process, please contact Ellie Watson via hr@path.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PK47672 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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