Research Assistant

About the role

You will help to deliver an innovative neuro-oncology research project; developing a new preclinical in vivo model of NF2-null meningioma and investigating immunotherapies. The project involves using single-cell RNA-sequencing and murine models of NF2-null tumours, patient-derived xenograft drug screening and validation with a variety of wet-lab techniques. This role is advertised on a fixed-term basis for 2.5 years due to external funding.

The role will be ideally suited to an early-career researcher who is motivated to join a vibrant neuro-oncology research community at the University of Plymouth’s Brain Tumour Research centre of excellence.

Essential:

• PhD (or close to completion) in neuro-oncology, immunology or other closely related and relevant subject.
• Competence in a variety of laboratory techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of cancer cell biology and tumour-associated immune cells.
• Skill in protocol development and optimisation.

Desirable:

• Experience in animal research and/or UK Home Office PIL A/B + C (rodents).
• Experience in single-cell RNA-sequencing and/or other omics techniques.
• Bioinformatics skills.
• First-author publications and/or other demonstrable research impacts.

Our Research:

The Parkinson lab’s neuro-oncology research focus centres around NF2-null nervous system tumours; meningioma, schwannoma and ependymoma. We have access to an excellent biobank of primary tumour cells, and use genetic and xenograft murine models to drive translational preclinical research.

Recent publications:

Inhibition of YAP/TAZ-driven TEAD activity prevents growth of NF2-null schwannoma and meningioma, Brain, 2022;awac342, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac342

Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K Promotes Proliferation and Confers Sensitivity to Antiretroviral Drugs in Merlin-Negative Schwannoma and Meningioma. Cancer Res 2022 Jan 15;82(2):235-247. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-3857

Merlin controls the repair capacity of Schwann cells after injury by regulating Hippo/YAP activity. JCB, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201606052

Peninsula Medical School:

Our laboratory is based in the Derriford Research Facility within the Peninsula Medical School and contains state-of-the-art facilities for delivering this project including a confocal microscopy suite and biological services unit. Our facility is supported by the Brain Tumour Research charity as a Centre of Excellence.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Liyam Laraba by email liyam.laraba@plymouth.ac.uk

Interviews are likely to take place on week commencing Monday 20 January 2025 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 30 months due to funding.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

Remote working is available up to 1 day a week.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Closing date:  12 midnight, Monday 6 January 2025

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