Research Technician (REWIRE-CAN Cancer Grand Challenge)

UCL - Cancer Institute

Placed On: 13th March 2026
Closes: 3rd April 2026
Job Ref: B02-10310

About us
Further Information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/.

About the role
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Research Technician to join the Cell Communication Lab (www.tape-lab.com) at the UCL Cancer Institute. The successful applicant will join the international REWIRE-CAN Cancer Grand Challenge team (https://www.cancergrandchallenges.org/rewire-can). REWIRE-CAN will explore how novel signalling activators can be used to directly kill cancer cells (hyperactivation lethality) and/or transition cells into vulnerable states (cell-state rewiring) to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). To ensure hyperactivation and rewiring strategies are actionable across a broad patient population, we will study these processes in a cohort of 100 CRC patient-derived organoids (PDOs).

The primary role of this research technician post will be to support the growth, maintenance, and experimental execution of PDOs used in the REWIRE-CAN Cancer Grand Challenge project. Moreover, the successful candidate will lead lab management roles within Tape Lab (e.g. stock management and ordering).

The primary supervisor will be Prof. Chris Tape, team leader of the Cell Communication laboratory at UCL Cancer Institute (www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/research/department-oncology/cell-communication-group and www.tape-lab.com).

The technician will be supported by core facility specialists throughout the UCL Cancer Institute.

Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter, please provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the 'Why you have applied for this role' field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

The post is funded by Cancer Grand Challenges under until April 2031 in the first instance (Grade 6).

About you
Successful candidates must have an MSc/MRes or be studying for a MSc/MRes in the relevant field and a background in cancer biology or cell biology.

Strong organisational skills to support laboratory operations, including stock management, ordering, and inventory control, are essential.

Experience with 2D and 3D cell culture techniques, including maintenance and optimisation is essential. The candidates must have the ability to maintain a well-organised and efficient lab environment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, by self-motivated, and able to work independently, while also collaborating effectively as part of an international multidisciplinary team.

Experience with single-cell analysis, and experience with robotics and liquid handling are desirable but not essential.

What we offer
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/