IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate (SM008-15HP)
Department:
Surgery and Cancer
Division:
Cancer
Job Family / Level:
Research & Education, Level B
Salary Range:
£33,860 - £34,720 per annum
Responsible to:
Professor Eric Lam
Contract:
Full time for a fixed-term until 31 December 2018
Location:
Hammersmith Hospital campus, East Acton
Purpose:
The Imperial College London Cancer Centre is an internationally leading centre that
brings together world-renowned clinicians and innovative, multidisciplinary
researchers to support high quality multidisciplinary science focused on cancer. The
aims of the Centre are to advance our understanding of cancer, to improve existing
therapies and for the development of new therapies and biomarkers that will make a
significant impact on patient care in the short to medium term. Through these aims
the Imperial College London Cancer Centre will also train the next generation of
influential scientists.
This research activity is based within a research institution equipped with the latest
technologies and facilities. As part of a new MRC funded 3-year grant, we are
seeking to recruit a Research Associate for a programme of work focusing on the
investigation of molecular mechanisms driving the initiation and progression of bile
duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) and the progression of new therapeutic agents to
clinical evaluation. The successful applicant will work with Professor Eric W. Lam in a
multi-disciplinary team of biochemists, cell biologists, molecular biologists,
bioinformaticians, statisticians, medicinal chemists and oncologists.
This research activity is based within a five star research institution equipped with the
latest technologies and facilities. The post is available from 14th January 2016 as
part of a new MRC/Newton Fund 3-year project grant based in the Cancer Centre, to
carry out research on mechanisms of cholangiocarcinoma initiation and progression
and the development of new therapeutic agents, in close collaboration with coinvestigators from Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Key aims of the work will be to
identify the gene expression signatures of the Forkhead transcription factor FOXM1
to determine mechanisms involved in cholangiocarcinoma initiation and progression
using proteomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic approaches and next generation
sequencing using cholangiocarcinoma models and tumour biopsies. The successful
applicant will work with Professor Eric Lam in a multi-disciplinary team of
biochemists, cell biologists, molecular biologists, medicinal chemists and oncologists.
Project:
The post holder will join a team of biologists and oncologists to study the role of the
Forkhead Transcription factor FOXM1 in cholangiocarcinoma (CAA) tumorigenesis,
progression, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. The
project will involve molecular and genomic studies to determine the mechanisms
whereby FOXM1 and downstream gene targets promote CCA initiation, progression
and drug resistance. The post holder will be expected to help coordinate the
multidisciplinary effort on this project together with co-investigators from Khon Kaen
University, Thailand and work towards developing an independent programme of
research within the framework of the collaborative work.
Duties:
The post holder will be required to carry out the following duties:
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Timely execution of the research project.
To work independently but also liaise with other team members pursuing related
research.
To participate in research meetings, contributing to the presentation of results to
the group, and in internal seminars.
To prepare and present data from research in national and international
conferences.
Contribute to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications as
required.
To work with other members of the team, as well as driving own projects towards
completion and publication.
To support and attend research and educational activities, as appropriate.
To support the senior academic staff of the group in their research work.
Provide guidance to staff and students.
Compliance with ethical and CBS regulations.
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key
policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Business
Continuity, Data Protection, Equal Opportunities, Ethics related, External
Interests, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for
new leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, and Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out
on the College Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities web page:
www.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements.
To undertake Business Continuity responsibilities relevant to individual roles
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Imperial College London is committed to equality and valuing diversity.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential
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PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genomics, cancer biology or
related field, or equivalent qualification and experience
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
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Demonstrable research experience through publication in one or more of areas
related to this type of research.
Demonstrable knowledge of signalling, and transcription and cancer
Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
Practical experience within a research environment
Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with
experience in data presentation and statistical analyses.
Desirable
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Experience of zebrafish cancer models, proteomics, next generation sequencing
and other ex vivo cancer models.
Experience of gene knockout/knockin technologies using shRNA, zinc fingers
and/or CRISPR in cancer cell lines.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
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Expertise and research interests in the biomedical sciences
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to deal with a wide range of
people.
Proven time management and organisational skills.
Excellent written communication skills and ability to write clearly and succinctly
for publication.
Ability to present papers, generate progress reports, publish papers.
Ability to use electronic databases and reference sources.
Proven ability to work on own initiative and function as part of a team.
Proven ability to prioritise own workload to meet deadlines whilst maintaining a
high degree of accuracy.
Highly motivated, with a commitment to biomedical research
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria.
If you attach a CV it should include the following information:
Applicant’s full name, private address and private telephone number
A confidential fax number and e-mail address, where possible
Degrees (including University and dates)
Past and present posts
List of publications
Brief description of future research plans
Names, addresses and, email, fax numbers, of three referees.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.