Overview
Applications are invited for a post of Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA)within the William Harvey Research Institute at Bart’s and The London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).
The candidate will be highly motivated and self-driven with interest in cancer and/or developmental biology to study the molecular mechanisms underlying craniopharyngiomas, a paediatric Wnt-driven hypothalamic-pituitary tumour. This project lies at the boundary between tumour and developmental biology and aims to establish how oncogenic b-catenin bearing stem cells initiate tumour formation. The lab employs transgenic models, developmental biology and bioinformatics techniques to understand early stages of tumour formation.
The post-holder will have proven ability to performed molecular biology techniques such as protein and gene expression (immunostaining, in situ hybridisation), DNA cloning, characterisation of genetic variants using biochemical assays (western, luciferases, in vitro cell culture), murine in vivo work & experience in managing mouse colonies (highly desirable for the post). Good knowledge of software for statistical analyses (graph-pad), editing figures (image-j, photoshop and illustrator) are essential. Genetic variant database-searches (Cosmic, ClinVar) and some bioinformatic knowledge would be beneficial for the post, although training will be provided by in house bioinformatician. The post-holder will be self-driven and ambitious and will be encouraged to formulate their own scientific questions arising from the data generated. The post-holder will work in close collaboration with clinical-scientist, bioinformaticians and geneticists.
About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.
Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.
We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.
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 Charterhouse Sqaure Campus in London. It is full time, fixed term appointment for three years.. The starting salary will be Grade 4, £40,223 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.