Can you provide technical support to an ovarian cancer research project? Do you have a strong interest in cancer research?

Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in women as it is usually detected after the initial cancer has spread and consequently survival rates are low. Many women now have chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour before surgery. Unfortunately, and for reasons we do not yet understand, a large number (30-40%) of these patients produce cancer cells that are not killed by current drugs.

We have identified reduced expression of BRIT1/MCPH1, a DNA damage response gene in a third of ovarian cancer patients. These reductions were associated with increasing tumour grade and poor survival. This project aims to identify new chemotherapeutic approaches to treat ovarian cancer patients with low expression of BRIT1/MCPH1.

With a degree or higher level BTEC or equivalent you will have significant laboratory experience (including cell culture), a keen interest in cancer research and will be a well organised individual. Experience of immunohistochemistry, cytotoxicity assays and Western blotting would be beneficial. You will be encouraged to develop your initiative and independence and will be given opportunities for career development. The post is based in Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s University Hospital in the Wellcome Trust Brenner building.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact

Dr Sandra Bell, Group Leader, Lecturer in Cancer Cell Biology

Tel: +44 (0) 113 343 8421, Email: medsmb@leeds,ac.uk

Further Information

The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine holds the Gold Award. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees.

Location: Leeds - St James University Hospital
Faculty/Service: Faculty of Medicine & Health
School/Institute: Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR)
Section: Molecular Medicine
Category: Technical Support
Grade: Grade 5
Salary: £23,067 to £26,715 p.a. pro rata
Working Time: part-time 45%
Post Type: Part Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (31 September 2023)
Closing Date: Tuesday 25 August 2020
Reference: MHLMR1019
Downloads: Candidate Brief