Research Associate in Biology
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom
We are a multi-disciplinary translational prostate cancer research group based at the new University of Cambridge Early Cancer Institute. We are looking for an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to take a leading role in developing cellular models of early high-risk disease, and explore therapeutic responses to novel therapies including DNA damaging agents, using CRISPR-Cas9 based strategies.
The aim of the group's research is to transform the lives of prostate cancer sufferers. This is achieved through the development and application of cutting-edge technologies including; patient-derived organoids, functional genomic screening, and application of single-cell and multi-omic sequencing approaches to clinical trial specimens. The translational research team benefits from unparalleled access to surgical biomaterials from diagnostic pathways and clinical trials (NCT02324998, NCT05367440), and our membership of the Alliance for Cancer Early Detection, the International Cancer Genome Consortium, Pan Prostate Cancer Group, and status as an AstraZeneca Partner of Choice.
This postdoctoral researcher/senior postdoctoral researcher will lead the exciting second phase of development in the prostate cancer CRISPR-Cas9 dynamic screening platform (ProCASP). This will involve further characterisation and optimisation of patient-derived organoids using bespoke and proprietary workflows, and ultimately through the application of gene editing strategies, the identification of early genetic determinants of prostate cancer survival. This strategy will be used to explore mediators of response to clinically relevant therapies, in particular DNA damaging agents (e.g. PARP1/anti-androgen inhibitor combination therapy). This provides a unique opportunity to discover new insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to genome instability and treatment responsiveness, with a view to translating these insights into ongoing trials here in Cambridge.
The successful candidate's role will also involve supporting the analysis and integration of multi-omic data from related projects with the wider team, to further leverage insights gained from genome-wide and focused CRISPR-screening strategies. Hence, this work is at the exciting translational interface of prostate cancer and DNA repair biology, with clear line-of-sight to defining clinical biomarkers and delivering personalised therapies.
Your work will be supported by academic and clinical mentors, working alongside computational and experimental researchers. Effective coordination with colleagues and collaborators will be key in this role, as will enthusiasm and innovative thinking to maximise impact in these multidisciplinary projects. As a senior postdoctoral researcher you will also be expected to support oversight of postdoctoral and PhD researchers in aligned research in addition to individual research responsibilities.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
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Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a 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.
The closing date for applications is: 20th November 2023
The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed
Please quote reference RD38943 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.
Further information
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