Research Associate for In Vivo Cancer Glycobiology

Job Summary

We are looking for Research Associate with a background in in vivo cancer biology to apply novel “precision tools” to understand the roles of glycans in tumorigenesis. In a multidisciplinary collaboration, we have pioneered the tactic of glycosyltransferase “bump-and-hole engineering”, generating reporter tools for the activity of individual glycosyltransferases in the living cell and in mouse models (Nat. Commun. 2022, ACS Chem Biol, 2021, PNAS, 2020, Mol Cell, 2020). We use a variety of in vivo models to study cancer cells host interactions at different stages of cancer development and progression and we have developed novel strategy to capture the early stage of metastatic colonization (Nat. Cancer 2022, Nature 2019, Nat. Protocols 2021, Dev. Cell 2024).

In a multidisciplinary project funded by cancer research UK, you will be spearheading the use of innovative chemical biology tools in murine models of tumorigenesis to dissect the cancer glycoproteome and shed light on the implication of glycosyltransferases in disease. By using our tools, you will investigate the communication between tumour and host during different stages of tumorigenesis and validate these results by ex vivo co-culture systems. Your work will include aspects of basic in vivo immunology research. You will be incorporated in the Malanchi Lab with a host of cutting-edge in vivo models, and work closely with members of the Schumann Lab developing the chemical tools. You will have full access to the world-leading Crick Science Technology Platforms, for instance for mass spectrometry proteomics and in vivo imaging.

Duties and responsibilities

You will be part of an internationally-competitive research programme on the development of chemical biology tools to understand cancer-specific glycosylation. You will employ chemical tools as reporters for glycosyltransferases in model systems in vivo and ex vivo, including in both early and late models of tumorigenesis. A track record showing the ability to independently carry out and complete a research project should be evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals or pre-prints. The successful candidate will have experience in presenting their data at scientific meetings.

Essential requirements 

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial practical background in in vivo biology in mouse models, either in cancer biology or in immunology.
• Background or profound interest in glycobiology (should be specified in supporting statement).
• Flexible attitude towards work.
• Ability to be leading an internationally competitive research programme.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.

Further Information

This is a full time, fixed term position until 30 September 2027.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Due to funding constraints for this role, we can offer salary range only at £46,593 - £48,376 per annum. However, you will be eligible for incremental raises as per our standard pay scale for this grade.

You will be based at the Francis Crick Institute, where registration is subject to a security check.

Working hours are flexible, and we normally operate using core working hours.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr. Benjamin Schumann – b.schumann@imperial.ac.uk. Please note that replies may take longer during school holidays.

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