Research Associate (Jackson Group) (Fixed Term)
University of Cambridge, Newtown, Cambridge
Research Associate (Jackson Group) (Fixed Term)
£44263
University of Cambridge, Newtown, Cambridge
- Full time
- Temporary
- Onsite working
Posted today, 16 Oct | Get your application in now to be one of the first to apply.
Closing date: Closing date not specified
job Ref: 63e5e26efbdd4236b685bc58c8eea998
Full Job Description
- Design and conduct high-throughput CRISPR screens in human tissue culture cells to explore sensitivity/resistance mechanisms to ionising radiation (IR).
- From these studies, establish how defects and deregulation of certain DNA damage response (DDR) and other cellular processes affect sensitivity and resistance to IR; and identify the potential clinical relevance of these effects in cancer.
- Generate multiple gene knockout and endogenous-degron tagged cell lines that target these resistance and sensitivity processes.
- Carry out follow-up validation and ensuing mechanistic studies - including further high-throughput CRISPR screens - to fully characterise these novel genetic and functional relationships.
Candidates are expected to be largely independent and highly motivated and must have a PhD in biological sciences or be close to completing their postgraduate degree. Candidates should have strong experience in mammalian cell biology. A background in DNA damage/repair as well as an understanding of CRISPR-Cas9 technology are desirable. While the project will benefit from access to expert bioinformaticians within the group, some knowledge of bioinformatics is also desirable. Applicants should have excellent written and spoken English communication skills and demonstrate excellent organisation. You will play a key role in a large, vibrant and interactive research group, so a collaborative, friendly and collegial attitude is essential., The successful candidate must have (or be about to receive) a PhD and will be appointed as a grade 7 (£36,024 - £44,263 dependent on experience). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award along with backpay for the time spent at Grade 5.
We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral scientist to join the lab of Professor Sir Steve Jackson (https://www.stevejacksonlab.org/), based in the internationally renowned Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/, located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK. Radiotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment, but we still do not understand completely why some patients respond well and others do not. Further research is needed to understand the biology of radiosensitivity/resistance and exploit this knowledge to improve patient outcomes. This CRUK RadNet Cambridge-funded project will explore the cell biology of radiation-induced DNA damage to exploit/counteract radioresistance.
The position offers a competitive salary, and the successful candidate will enjoy the diverse, vibrant and highly supportive research environment of the CRUK Cambridge Institute and the University of Cambridge.