Research Assistant

University of Cambridge Vet School; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant or post-doctoral Research Associate to join a group focused on cancer research. The role involves investigating cancer cell behavior and developing new therapeutic approaches. Candidates should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD and have experience with in vivo or in vitro models. The position offers a collaborative work environment, training opportunities, and the chance to publish and present research findings at conferences.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
• Experience in a collaborative environment is highly desirable.
• Strong background in cancer research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative in vivo tissue slice culture and in vitro organoid research.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate therapeutic responses in kidney cancers.
• Contribute to manuscripts and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Experience with in vivo or in vitro models

Knowledge of multiomic platforms

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant or post-doctoral Research Associate to join Dr Thomas J. Mitchell's group within the Early Cancer Institute on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The Mitchell group collaborates widely within the UK and internationally with clinical and academic collaborators to advance knowledge of the molecular and cellular drivers of kidney cancer, aiming to discover novel routes to early intervention and prevention.

The project aims to understand how common risk factors and genetic events contribute to the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Through multidimensional modelling, we are assessing the likely consequences of various interventions at different stages of tumour development.

The successful applicant will investigate how targeting modifiable risk or mechanistic factors reduces cellular fitness. They will lead innovative in vivo tissue slice culture and in vitro organoid and cell line systems to evaluate therapeutic response in freshly acquired kidney cancers. It is highly desirable that the successful candidate have some prior experience with in vivo or in vitro models and/or multiomic platforms.

If successful as a post-doctoral Research Associate, the candidate will also be expected to lead on and contribute to manuscripts and present their work at national and international conferences. They will join a highly collaborative and friendly environment and will be offered opportunities for training in any areas necessary for career progression. To apply for the post-doctoral Research Associate position, the applicant should have or be in the final stages of obtaining a PhD.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Mitchell ([e-mail]) directly in advance of submitting an application.

Closing Date

15th February 2026

Interview Date

2nd March 2026

Fixed-term

until 1st June 2029

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RD48601 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.