Job description
A CRUK-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Igor Vivanco to characterise the role of AKT in promoting cancer cell survival. The project aims to identify novel aspects of AKT signalling that are regulated through non-catalytic functions, with a particular focus on those that impinge on cellular metabolism. The PDRA will also provide technical and intellectual support to other members of the team who will be working on various related projects. Our strategy involves a combination of molecular pharmacology, transcriptional profiling, and mass spectrometry approaches. This platform will also allow us to identify novel therapeutic targets in AKT-addicted tumours.
 
Applicants should possess a PhD degree in molecular biology/cell biology/molecular pharmacology or a related subject. Previous experience of basic cell and molecular biology or biochemistry in a work-based laboratory environment is required. Solid experience in cell culture is also required. Duties will also include general maintenance of the lab (e.g. preparation of common reagents, ordering, and maintenance of plasmid and cell line databases).
 
Salary will start at £40,414 and will be for 20 months in the first instance. This post also benefits from generous annual leave entitlement and defined benefit pension scheme. Further information can be found in the full job description  
 
This post will be offered on a fixed-term  contract for 20 months  
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Use molecular profiling approaches (including mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing) to characterise the consequences of perturbing AKT signalling. 
• Use various genetic and pharmacological approaches to interrogate the functional relevance of various AKT interacting partners and/or effector molecules in non-catalytic AKT pro-survival function.
• Identify novel therapeutic targets downstream of PI3K/Akt through all of the above approaches, and validate them using genetic and pharmacological tools.

 
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 Biochemistry/Pharmacology or related subject. 
2.       Demonstrable general knowledge of cancer biology. 
3.       Demonstrable general knowledge of oncogenic signal transduction pathways. 
4.       Experience using software and databases to record and analyse results. 
5.       Experience in biochemical and cell-based assay techniques. 
6.       Molecular pharmacology experience in an industrial or academic setting 
7.       Experience with mammalian tissue culture techniques. 
8.       Experience with fluorescence microscopy. 
9.       Good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with other team members. 
10.   Willingness to train less experienced members of the team 
 
Desirable criteria
 
1.       Experience with analysis of mass spectrometry data. 
2.       Practical knowledge of cellular matabolism 
 
 
* 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
 
Candidate must be willing to start immediately. 
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.