Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced researcher to lead on a new collaborative project between the CRUK Cambridge Institute - Mair Lab, www.mair-lab.com and the Milner Institute - exploring the pathogenesis of astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer. The role is funded as part of a new Brain Research UK grant for a period of 3 years in the first instance.

Astrocytoma is the most common primary brain cancer in young adults. Following initial gradual progression these tumours undergo 'transformation' to a higher grade after which they are uniformly rapidly fatal. No treatments exist to combat this transformation and little is known about the molecular changes that drive it. The goal of this project is to use patient samples and new mouse models to identify therapeutically tractable mechanisms underlying transformation.

The role will involve optimisation of mouse models and integration of models and clinical samples from the ICARUS biorepository at Addenbrooke's hospital. The ideal candidate will have experience working with and maintaining mouse colonies as well as NGS library preparation for downstream epigenomics analyses. A Home Office license would be desirable.

The successful applicant will lead an exciting, multidisciplinary, and highly translational project in an area of large unmet clinical needs combining basic cancer research, novel mouse models and material and data generated from patient brain tumour samples. Although prior expertise in neuro-oncology per se is not necessary, the candidate will have a strong publication record and an excellent aptitude for research and career development. We are especially looking for applicants with a self-starter mentality, who combine a perceptive and resourceful approach with an ability to work independently. A proven capacity to design, execute, and interpret your own experiments is essential. The ability to think creatively and develop workaround approaches when faced with the challenges that may arise while conducting pioneering new research is highly desirable.

Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant subject (cancer biology, neurobiology), or be close to the completion of their degree. Candidates that have a strong background in at least two of the following three broad areas of expertise are encouraged to apply: (1) molecular biology, biochemistry, serum-free cell culture and FACS, (2) epigenetics/DNA methylation/chromatin biology and basic library preparation for downstream genomics analysis (DNA methylome/RNA-seq/ChIP-seq), or (3) histology/tissue processing, confocal microscopy, transgenics and mouse colony management.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit :

http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/34480 .

Closing Date: 12th June 2022.

Interview Date: TBC.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £30,497) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please quote reference SW30895 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.