Research Scientist, Medical and Dental Sciences

Job Purpose

The development of complex model systems of cells, also known as organoids, has revolutionised the understanding and study of the development and molecular drivers of cancer. Organoids allow exposure to drugs and a more sensitive and specific understanding of disease biology.

The postholder will be employed on the MOL-RSRC project, a 5 year grant funded by Cancer Research UK and led by Dr Andrew Beggs, to examine the molecular determinants of chemoradiosensitivity in rectal cancer. The grant involves the development of model organoid cultures of radiosensitive and radioresistant organoids that will then be subjected to genomic analysis, a targeted drug screen and in vitro CRISPR/RNAi modification. The postholder will also work as part of the larger CRUK funded Human Cancer Models Initiative (HCMI), a collaborative project involving the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and Universities of Birmingham, Cambridge and Southampton.

Our laboratory has recently been redeveloped and has moved into state of the art facilities within the Institute of Biomedical Research complex with access within the lab to dedicated tissue culture facilities, automated liquid handling platforms and next generation sequencing.

It is envisaged that this role will also allow an excellent candidate to develop their own research programme and interests with a view to promotion at the end of the post as well as significant opportunities for personal development.

Person Specification

• • First degree in area of specialism at a minimum of 2:1 and normally, a PhD in a relevant biological field
• • Proven experience in organoid development/culture and cell culture
• • Experience in CRISPR and/or RNAi technologies such as shRNA/siRNA and cloning
• • Experience of drug toxicity, cell viability and clonogenic assays
• • Experience of Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofloresence
• • High level analytical capability
• • Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• • Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• • Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• • Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes