Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Department: Blizard Institute
Salary: £36,348 per annum (Grade 4)
Reference: QMUL32224
Location: Whitechapel
Date posted: 6 March 2023
Closing date: 7 April 2023

Further details and apply

Overview

About the Role

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to investigate the role of iRhom2 in the early stages of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinogenesis. We have previously identified dominantly-inherited point mutations in the gene encoding iRhom2 (RHBDF2) to be associated with Tylosis (OMIM:148500), an inherited syndrome of a hyperproliferative skin condition (palmoplantar keratoderma) and a very high lifetime risk of developing oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This is the only known highly penetrant genetic predisposition to OSCC making Tylosis a unique model for studying early-stage oesophageal carcinogenesis.

This full-time position is funded by Worldwide Cancer Research for 24 months to work with both spatial RNAseq data and established in vivo model systems to uncover the role of iRhom2 hyperactivity in the development of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The post will be based in the groups of Dr Diana Blaydon and Prof David Kelsell in the Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute Queen Mary University London. The Blizard Institute is an outstanding research environment with excellent core facilities including microscopy, phenotypic screening and the Barts and The London Genome Centre.

About You

Applicants for this Postdoctoral Research Assistant post are expected to have a PhD with experience in cell and molecular biology and an interest in understanding the early stages of cancer development, RNAseq analysis and working with in vivo models.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.

About the Institute

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 350 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

The post is based at the Whitechapel Campus in London. It is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 2 years.The starting salary will be Grade 4, in the £36,348 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to (Dr Diana Blaydon) at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 020 7882 2340.

To apply for the role, please click the ‘apply’ button below.

The closing date for applications is 07 April 2023

Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter.

Further details and apply