Research Assistant

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A world-renowned university is seeking a Research Assistant to support cancer research within the Biffi Group. This role requires a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in a relevant field and prior laboratory experience, particularly with mouse models. The successful candidate will assist in research activities and must be adaptable to fast-paced and potentially stressful situations. A commitment of 2 years is required for this fixed-term position. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds, supporting equality and diversity within the workplace.

Qualifications

• Essential B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in a relevant field with prior mouse work/lab experience.
• Candidates must be collaborative and possess strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support a team using mouse models to study pancreatic cancer.
• Provide research support mainly in the animal facility.
• Adapt to changing situations in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Mouse work

Laboratory experience

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

Join us at the world-leading CRUK Cambridge Institute. We're a unique department of the University of Cambridge, core funded by Cancer Research UK's charitable activities, and we're eagerly searching for our new Research Assistant for the Biffi Group.

Research Focus

Our lab (https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/biffi-group) combines ex vivo human and murine pancreatic tumour organoid/fibroblast co-cultures with murine in vivo models and patient-derived tissues to study and target the interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Generation and analysis of organoid-derived orthotopic transplantation models and genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer are frequently used.

Responsibilities

• The role will support a team that uses mouse models to understand and genetically and pharmacologically target cancer/fibroblast interactions in pancreatic cancer. The successful candidate will mainly provide research support to other group members in relation to our mouse work.
• Applicants should be willing to work most of their time in the animal facility and in a support role. Applicants should also be flexible, able to multi-task efficiently, as well as to adapt to rapidly changing, and potentially stressful, situations (e.g. due to sudden deterioration of mouse models with cancer).
• Depending on the candidate, additional responsibilities (e.g., immunohistochemistry, processing of patient samples, flow cytometry) may be possible.

Qualifications

• It is essential that applicants have a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in a relevant discipline and prior mouse work and/or laboratory experience.
• Candidates are expected to be highly collaborative, great communicators, able to find solutions to problems, to work effectively independently as well as part of a team and to want to contribute across a number of projects developed in the laboratory.

Commitment

A 2-year commitment to the role is required. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Security and Disclosure

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Application and Contact

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. If you have any queries regarding the application process or queries relating to the role, please contact: [e-mail]. Please quote reference SW48641 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality and Inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.