Research Assistant - Medical and Molecular Genetics

Job description

Applications are invited for a full-time graduate Research Assistant post funded by Breast Cancer UK to work on a project investigating the presence of oestrogenic, endocrine disruptive chemicals in human breast cancer tissue.

Different types of endocrine disruptive chemicals (e.g. plasticisers, sunscreen agents, certain pesticides) are known to mimic the effects of oestrogen and thus may fuel the progression of hormone-dependent breast cancer.

The aim of this project is to measure the presence of a wide range of oestrogenic chemical pollutants in breast cancer tissue and correlate this with disease severity. The work will principally entail preparing extracts from breast cancer tissue, optimising mass spectroscopy methods for the simultaneous analysis of oestrogenic chemical pollutants (e.g., bisphenol and phthalate plasticisers) and analysing the breast tissue extracts for the oestrogenic chemical pollutants.

The post is open to graduates (BSc, MSc) in a life science subject including biomedical sciences, or analytical chemistry, and preferably with experimental laboratory experience.

The successful applicant will work with experts in the field of chemical toxicology (Prof Michael Antoniou, King’s College London), breast cancer (Dr Cheryl Gillett, King’s College London) and analysis of biological samples employing mass spectroscopy methods (Dr Francesca Mazzacuva, University of East London). Work will be divided between King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital Campus, and the University of East London.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof Michael Antoniou (michael.antoniou@kcl.ac.uk).

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract till 31st Janauary 2025.

This is a full-time post – 35 hours per week.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare extracts from human breast tissue
• Establish mass spectroscopy analytical methods for endocrine disruptive chemical pollutants
• Undertake analysis for endocrine disruptive chemical pollutants in human breast tissue extracts
• Compile progress reports for submission to funder
• Present results at international conferences
• Draft manuscripts based on results obtained for publication in the peer reviewed scientific literature
• Engage with the funder in public outreach to disseminate information of the human health significance of the project results

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. BSc/MSc in a life science or chemistry subject
2. General experimental laboratory experience
3. Ability to work as part of a team
4. General computing skills
5. Statistical analytical methods

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with mass spectroscopy analytical methods
2. Knowledge of chemical toxicology

Further information 

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert.

If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.