Research Technician

About the Role

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) has an early onset, are typically high grade, and have a high incidence of metastasis. Whilst breast cancer deaths have gradually decreased since the 1970s, the lack of putative targets for tailored therapies and the aggressive clinical course means that women with BLBC have a particularly poor prognosis.

The 1-2 Punch is an exciting, new combination treatment that involves using two different therapies together to improve cancer outcomes. Punch 1 halts the growth of cancer cells by triggering senescence. Then, Punch 2 uses a new class of molecules, called senolytics, to selectively kill the senescent cancer cells. The current unmet need positions BLBC as an excellent candidate for 1-2 Punch Therapies.

This position will join our active drug discovery programme contributing to the aims of a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Our work involves a spectrum of cutting-edge technologies including high-throughput compound screening, automated microscopy and high content imaging. This project has a clear workflow and defined milestones, and we are looking for a bright, organised and self motivated individual to join our team. This role offers excellent opportunities to further develop technical skills with high quality training provided, as needed

About You

A graduate with a MSc/MRes in a relevant area (e.g. Biology, Ageing, Drug Discovery). Previous laboratory experience in mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy is essential. Experience in culturing cells in multi-well plates (e.g. 96 or 384 well), siRNA transfections and/or high content image analysis would be highly desirable. The postholder should also have a sound knowledge of laboratory safety and H&S regulations. Please also include an up-to-date CV as part of your application. 

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 comprises approximately 360 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre, and supports a combined total of c700 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute 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.