Overview
We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant in Brain Tumour Biology to join Dr Pathania’s Laboratory at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, part of Nuffield Department of Medicine.
Lab Focus
The lab focuses on developing novel, more disease-representative models of brain tumours that recapitulate how tumours behave in vivo, how they respond to treatments, and in their inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, which we can titrate to more closely mirror human tumours (e.g. Pathania et al., Cancer Cell 2017; McNicholas et al., Cancer Discovery 2023; Jessa et al., Cancer Research 2024). We have used these models to identify subtype-specific precision therapy opportunities (McNicholas et al., Cancer Discovery 2023) and therapeutically tractable tumour-microenvironment interactions (Andrade et al., Nature Communications 2024), and are now expanding into using spatial biology, in vivo CRISPR screening and genetic barcoding approaches to identify additional context-specific pharmacological vulnerabilities, tumour-immune interactions, and resistance mechanisms to chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapies.
Roles and Responsibilities
Reporting to Manav Pathania, you will be a new core member of the newly relocated group in Oxford. You will assist postdoctoral research scientists and PhD students in utilising in vivo brain tumour models to identify molecular targets underlying tumour maintenance and resistance to chemo, radio and immuno-therapy, using genetic barcoding and clonal lineage tracing and single-cell and spatial omics. Some work developing in vivo CRISPR screening approaches will also be required. Training in all aspects of this work will be provided but some prior experience in cancer or neuroscience research involving mouse models is essential. Over the course of the project, you will be expected to develop substantial familiarity with using mouse models in cancer research and associated in vitro and in vivo techniques for describing and testing observations and making mechanistic insights. You will also assist the PI in lab personnel management, administration of finances, maintaining animal licence ethical approvals, grants, and manuscript preparation. A propensity for self-reliance and an ability to successfully troubleshoot roadblocks normally encountered over the course of carrying out frontier research is desirable.
Qualifications
It is essential that you hold a degree in cancer biology, neurobiology, cell and molecular biology or a related field. You will have demonstrable experience in brain/cancer research using in vivo models, primary cell lines and PDX models. Equally, you will have prior experience in single-cell and spatial omics and in vivo functional genomics (CRISP, shRNA). Strong skills in decision-making, problem-solving, planning and organising analysis and research, with attention to detail are also required. You will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write scientific text well, present data clearly, and communicate science effectively.
Application Process
Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.
Employment Details
This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 3 years and is funded by Kids Fight Cancer.
Closing Details
Only applications received before 12 midday on 17 April 2026 will be considered. Please quote 185328 on all correspondence.
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