Research Assistant-In vivo breast cancer prevention (GEMM) (Fixed Term)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant to support a project focused on breast cancer prevention. This role involves working with genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and contributing to data collection. Ideal candidates will have a BSc in biological sciences and demonstrable experience with GEMMs. The position is funded for 24 months with an emphasis on cancer interception science.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience working with GEMMs.
• Active PIL is essential for maintaining GEMM colonies and in vivo experiments.
• Ability to keep thorough records.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities related to the PreBRCATx project focusing on cancer interception.
• Contribute to experimental work using GEMMs and data collection processes.

Skills

Experience with genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs)

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Education

BSc degree in biological sciences

Job description

Overview

A Research Assistant position is available in the group of Prof. Walid T. Khaled at the Department of Pharmacology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge. This position is part of PreBRCATx, a major new project funded by the European Research Council (ERC), focused on developing therapeutic interventions to prevent hereditary breast cancer. The project aims to intercept breast cancer before it starts, with a focus on individuals carrying high-risk mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2. Through advanced single cell genomics, in vivo modelling, and immune profiling, the team will study early molecular and cellular changes in high-risk breast tissue. The team will test known and near-clinical drugs to reverse or block these changes and aims to develop a preventive breast cancer vaccine for individuals with inherited predisposition. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cancer interception science at the frontier of personalised prevention, with strong translational potential.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities related to the PreBRCATx project under Prof. Khaled’s group, with a focus on cancer interception and breast cancer prevention strategies.
• Contribute to experimental work using GEMMs (genetically engineered mouse models) and related data collection processes.

Qualifications / Requirements

• BSc degree in biological sciences.
• Demonstrable experience working with GEMMs.
• Active PIL is essential for maintenance of GEMM colonies, performing in vivo experiments, and data collection and analysis.
• Effective communication, organizational skills, and ability to keep thorough records.

Contract details

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance (funded by ERC) subject to a probation period and performance review.

Application process

• Upload a covering letter highlighting relevant experience to this project, a CV, and include the names of two referees as part of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, they will not be considered.
• Include details of your referees, including email address and phone number; one referee must be your most recent line manager.
• Include reference PL47143 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
• Click the Apply button to register an account with the recruitment system and apply online.

Contacts

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Professor Walid T. Khaled ([e-mail]). For enquiries about the online application process, contact the HR Team ([e-mail]).

Equality and eligibility

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.