Department: Barts Cancer Institute
Salary: £34,220-£40,194 per annum inclusive of London Allowance (Grade 4)
Location: Charterhouse Square
Closing date: 16-Oct-2019

Overview:

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to undertake research investigations in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr Paolo Gallipoli in order to realise the objectives and development of the research programme. The research will be based in the Centre for Haemato-oncoclogy, Barts Cancer Institute, within the Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London.

Our buddying multidisciplinary team funded by the recently awarded CRUK Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship will focus on the impact of metabolic adaptations on leukaemic stem cell biology and their role in resistance to current therapeutics in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The group has a strong translational focus and specific expertise on the role played by metabolic rewiring and its links with altered transcription and signaling in leukaemia (Blood. 2018 Apr 12;131(15):1639-1653, Blood. 2014 Aug 28;124(9):1492-501 J Exp Med. 2019 Apr 1;216(4):966-981). Metabolic rewiring is a known hallmark of cancer and our recent work has highlighted its role in the establishment and maintenance of leukaemia specifically under therapeutic pressure (Gallipoli et al., Blood. 2018 Apr 12;131(15):1639-1653). The group will investigate, using a multidisciplinary approach and multiple models of AML, how changes in metabolism control normal stem cell functions and leukaemic transformation and allow leukaemic cells to withstand therapeutic pressure to exploit these mechanisms to identify therapeutic targets to eradicate cancer stem cells/resistant cells in AML. The candidate will gain experience in phenotypic characterisation of leukaemia models in vitro and in vivo, mass-spectrometry and ChIP/RNA-sequencing analysis. We enjoy close links with Barts Hospital and have a strong translational focus and the candidate will be joining a project with excellent prospects for developing new therapies and making a significant contribution to our field. This programme will also join the emerging field of cancer metabolism, and its role in cancer biology, thus offering significant opportunity for multidisciplinary training, new discovery and excellent career development.

Essential requirements for this post include a PhD in a relevant biological subject and an undergraduate degree in a biological subject. Significant research laboratory experience in in vitro cell culture, basic molecular biology techniques including cloning, protein and gene expression analysis and basic computing skills are essential. Experience in the field of cancer biology and in vivo work would be highly desirable although not essential. Experience in the analysis of big proteomic/metabolomics and genomic datasets and appropriate publication records would be an advantage. A demonstrated ability to communicate well, work within a team and maintain good laboratory records are also essential.

The post is a full time, fixed term position for 3 years but extendable to 5.  Starting salary will be in the range £34,220 to 40,194 per annum inclusive of London Allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, pension scheme and an interest free season ticket loan.

The Barts Cancer Institute requires applicants to provide all certificates at interview to confirm their qualifications (specified in the Job Description).

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.  Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.

Informal enquiries about this post, including arrangements to visit the Institute/Centre, can be made to Dr Paolo Gallipoli, email pg413@cam.ac.uk

Details about Barts Cancer Institute can be found at www.bartscancer.london

To apply, and for full job details, please visit the Human Resources website on http://www.hr.qmul.ac.uk/vacancies and search for reference QMUL20061.

The closing date for applications is 16^th October 2019. Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter.

The School of Medicine and Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science.

The School of Medicine holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award.  We are committed to the equality of opportunities and to advancing women’s careers.  We have policies to support staff returning from long-term absence, for flexible arrangements for staff with parental responsibilities and for childcare support.  As part of the School’s commitment to the Athena SWAN principles we strongly encourage applications from women.

Valuing Diversity & Committed to Equality