Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
A Research Assistant position is available in the group of Prof. Gabriel Balmus at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI), Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge. The project investigates the function-resolved biology of ATM, a master regulator of the DNA damage response (DDR), with the goal of identifying therapeutic strategies for ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) and ATM-deficient cancers. The post-holder will map how ATM protein presence and kinase activity differentially regulate DDR signalling, repair pathway choice, and cell fate across distinct genotoxic contexts.
ATM coordinates responses to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), replication stress, and oxidative damage, directing chromatin remodelling, checkpoint activation, and repair pathway selection. Germline loss of ATM cause A-T, a rare progressive cerebellar ataxia, while somatic ATM mutations are among the most frequent DDR alterations in human cancer. We are aware of important gaps in our understanding of ATM biology that the field has yet to fully address, and the project aims to bridge these by generating a global functional map of ATM requirement across damage contexts, integrating inducible protein degradation, genome-wide CRISPR screening, and live-cell phenotypic reporters.
A central component of the project is the identification of therapeutic candidates for A-T. The post-holder will conduct medium- to high-throughput screens of siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), CRISPR gRNAs, and small molecules to identify agents that restore cellular fitness or exploit ATM-deficient states. Validated hits will be characterised mechanistically to support therapeutic target prioritisation, integrating functional genomics with translational screening in disease-relevant cellular models.
Candidates must hold a BSc in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline (PhD not required). A strong practical background in cell and molecular biology is essential, including PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, and basic cloning, together with proficiency in mammalian tissue culture. Experience with CRISPR-based workflows – gRNA design, lentiviral transduction, and functional screening - is required. Hands-on experience of human iPSC culture under feeder-free conditions is highly desirable, as iPSC-derived models will be central to the project.
Experience with DDR assays - H2AX/53BP1 immunofluorescence, comet assays, or flow cytometry-based cell cycle analysis - would be advantageous. Familiarity with interpreting output bioinformatic analyses of CRISPR screen data (e.g. MAGeCK, BAGEL2) or transcriptomic datasets is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided. Experience with ASO or siRNA delivery and knockdown validation would also be of value.
The role requires excellent organisation skills, rigorous record-keeping, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The post-holder will manage their experimental programme, contribute to laboratory operations and compliance, and generate data suitable for publication and progress reporting. Close interaction with Balmus Lab members and collaborators across the UKDRI and wider Cambridge community is expected.
To learn more about Balmus Lab please visit: www.balmuslab.org
For further enquiries please contact: gb318@cam.ac.uk
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
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.
Please quote reference RR49521 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.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Clinical Neurosciences
Salary
£33,002-£35,608
Reference
RR49521
Category
Date published
24 April 2026
Closing date
10 May 2026
Download further information
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
