Postdoctoral Research Associate

Queen Mary University of London - Barts Cancer Institute

About the Role

The role of the Postdoctoral Research Associate is to undertake research investigations and in collaboration with other researchers on the project in order to realise the objectives and development of the research programme. The successful candidate will undertake the research investigations under the supervision of the Principal Investigators and in collaboration with other researchers and industrial collaborators on the research project.

About You

The candidate should have a PhD (or close to completion) in a biological, biomedical or closely related science. Previous work experience in a biomedical research laboratory with appropriate publication records is essential. Experience in study using human clinical samples and in biomarker translational research are advantageous. Ability to interpret the scientific literature and incorporate this into the project and work efficiently are required, as well as be flexible and co-operative, with good communication skills.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) is a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence whose work aims to transform the lives of those with and at risk of cancer through innovative research in the laboratory, in patients and in populations. BCI is internationally renowned in many areas of cancer research and it combines ground-breaking basic research with the expertise of clinicians and clinician scientists from the Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine and the Barts NHS Trust to achieve improvements in cancer patient care. BCI is also a partner in the CRUK City of London Major Centre. BCI is committed in supporting and developing future cancer researchers through its extensive postgraduate training.

Near half of apparently localised high-risk prostate cancer recur after surgery, indicating the undetectable micro-metastasis. We are currently undertaking a PCUK-funded study to evaluate the use of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to reflect micro-metastasis and predict post-surgery recurrence/metastasis, with >200 patients recruited. As circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is another promising biomarker and the host immune system critically influences metastasis development, this new project is to further analyse the host immune response factors and ctDNA using samples stored during the CTC study, aiming to more accurately predict surgical outcome for treatment selection using combined CTC, ctDNA and immune factors. This will also provide information of the interaction between cancer cells, CTCs and the host immune system in determining perioperative cancer cell fate, opening a new way in mechanistic studies.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. We’ve historically fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. We continue to live and breathe this spirit today, as it helps us achieve the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

Our reformer heritage informs our conviction that great ideas can and should come from anywhere. It’s an approach that has brought results across the globe, from the communities of east London to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer 30 days’ leave per annum, access to a pension scheme, a season ticket loan scheme and competitive salaries. We also offer enhanced family friendly leave, and an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus. You will also work with a friendly team, with personal development opportunities.