Job description

The Laboratory of Dr Graeme Hewitt is a newly formed research group at Kings College London School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences. Our group uses genetic screens and a range of molecular and cell biology techniques to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage repair. With a specific focus on understanding how the DDR can be targeted alongside radiotherapy to improve therapy response and overcome resistance.

We seek a talented postdoc who will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to investigate novel approaches to targeting the DNA Damage Response (DDR) in Cancer therapy.

This project will employ whole genome CRISPR Cas9 screens to uncover novel vulnerabilities and resistance mechanisms in response to different modalities of radiation therapy. Hits will be validated and investigated further to gain a detailed molecular understanding of mechanisms of therapy resistance and radio sensitisation.

Your research will take place in the Hewitt lab at Kings College London School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences. As part of the City of London RadNet network between Kings, UCL, Barts and the Francis Crick institute you will have access to an extensive network of knowledge and state of the art technologies.

Hewitt lab has ongoing collaborations with partners in industry, allowing lab members the valuable opportunity to gain insight into drug discovery and development processes.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 3 years, with a possibility of extension. 
This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a novel research project as part of multidisciplinary research team.  
• Develop new techniques and reagents to address research questions in the DDR/oncology field.  
• Present research findings at seminars, journal clubs and national/international conferences.  
• Maintain accurate and up to date lab records.  
• Share skills by training others and a willingness to work collaboratively.   
• Contribute to the scientific literature through the writing of papers and review articles.  

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  
 
Skills, knowledge, and experience 
 
Essential criteria  
 
1.      PhD in molecular and cell biology. 
2.      Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments. 
3.      Highly skilled in data analysis and interpretation. 
4.      Strong scientific track-record of published/accepted papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals.  
5.      Strong Interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. 
6.      Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. 
 
Desirable criteria
 
1.      Experience working in genome stability or DDR related field.    
2.      Experience in a range of cell biology and in vitro biochemical skills that can be applied to oncology research. E.g. CRISPR Cas9 gene editing, flow cytometry, fixed and live-cell fluorescent microscopy and survival assays. 
3.      Experience in analysing and interpreting large “omics” data sets.  
 
 
* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 
 
Further information
 
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.