Research Technician in Cancer Biology

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southampton is looking for a highly motivated Research Technician to join a dynamic cancer research team. This role involves critical contributions to drug discovery projects aimed at understanding and combating metastatic cancers, using state-of-the-art laboratory techniques. With a focus on developing and testing small molecules in cell line and animal models, the successful candidate will gain essential skills and training, positioning them for career advancement in biomedical research.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in cancer biology and drug discovery.
• Enthusiastic, curious, and self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
• Experience with animal experiments and willingness to obtain a home office license.

Responsibilities

• Support research focused on drug discovery for cancer.
• Use techniques like flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
• Develop gene knock-down cell line models.

Skills

Organisational skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Apoptosis assays

Viability assays

Education

Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join the research group of Dr Emre Sayan in School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton. This exciting role will support research focused on drug discovery and testing to kill metastatic liver, pancreatic and neuroendocrine cancers.

The appointed scientist will be using common and cutting-edge techniques. The main focus of the project will be on testing the activity of new small molecules in established cancer cell lines and animals. Flow cytometry, western blotting, and immuno-fluorescence will be mainly used in addition to a variety of necessary molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology techniques. As part of the team, you will also help developing single gene inducible (e.g. ZEB1 induced EMT) or stable-inducible gene knock-down cell line models.

You will receive hands-on expert training in all techniques that will be used in this project. The position offers a solid foundation for candidates considering transition to industry and supports active scientific development. The appointed scientist is expected to obtain home office personal license in the first 6 months of appointment.

This role is offered on a 80% full-time basis and is fixed-term till Dec 31st 2026 in the first instance, with possibility of extension and promotion to full time.

About You

You will hold an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with a genuine interest in cancer biology and drug discovery. You will have strong organisational skills, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team setting. You should enjoy supervising undergraduate and MSc. students.

You should be enthusiastic, curious, and self-motivated, with a willingness to learn and apply new methodologies. Experience with apoptosis assays, viability assays, cell culture and molecular biology techniques is desirable. The job holder is required to do animal experiments and will be trained accordingly to obtain a home office license.