Research Assistant

Queen's University Belfast - Johnston Cancer Research Centre

Location:BelfastSalary:£35,136 per annumHours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 17th November 2025

Closes: 1st December 2025

Job Ref: 25/112981

This collaboration between Queen’s University Belfast and Oxford University, invites applications for a Research Assistant to join the Radiation Biology Group and the Prostate Centre of Excellence (ProEx) at the Johnston Cancer Research Centre (JCRC), Queen’s University Belfast. The post-holder will focus on optimising the sequence and timing of novel PSMA targeted alpha- and beta-radionuclide combination therapies in metastatic prostate cancer, with a particular focus on investigating mechanisms of action to inform the design of a phase 1 clinical trial. These studies will be coupled with functional genomics analysis (RNA-seq) of 2D and in vivo modelling and validation.

The position involves assisting in the planning, delivery, and analysis of pre-clinical studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes through novel radionuclide therapy combinations.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Minimum of upper second class undergraduate degree in a relevant area
• Relevant, research experience in an area of radiation biology or closely related with a focus on drug/radiotherapy combinations.
• Expertise in a range of cell/radiation biology techniques including:
• In vitro tissue culture
• Protein Biology (Western blotting, Flow Cytometry)
• Whole cell assays (clonogenic survival, viability)
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA damage and repair assays and immunohistochemistry)
• Evidence of R&D experience having a record of dissemination and publication of scientific work appropriate for career stage.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available until 3 November 2027. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/.