Research Assistant

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant, to join the newly established Nicholson Lab. The postholder will support a project investigating how glioblastoma cells change state and acquire resistance to treatment. They will perform cancer cell culture, CRISPR–Cas9 editing and drug-response experiments, and help generate single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets following genetic and pharmacological perturbation. Working closely with Dr James Nicholson, they will contribute to experimental planning, data collection and interpretation, and the effective day-to-day delivery of the project. This well-resourced project combines computational discovery with experimental validation to identify regulators of glioblastoma cell plasticity and treatment resistance, with the longer-term aim of developing strategies to prevent tumour recurrence.

About You

You will hold a degree in biological sciences, cancer biology, molecular biology or a related subject. Experience in mammalian cell culture and common molecular biology techniques would be advantageous, although extensive prior research experience is not required. You should be enthusiastic about experimental research, able to work carefully and maintain accurate records, and willing to learn new techniques. Training and support will be provided in the project’s specialist cell-culture, gene-editing and single-cell sequencing methods.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute is comprised of staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c700 postgraduate research and taught students. The Blizard constitutes a world class biomedical research institute that integrates all stages of research from basic science through to clinical studies across a diverse range of fields including genomics, cell biology, translational immunology, neuroscience and trauma. Our research addresses the health needs of our local population, while delivering new treatments on a global scale and aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service. 

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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