About the role
We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr Pablo Rodriguez-Viciana at the UCL Cancer Institute. Our lab investigates how RAS family GTPases regulate diverse cellular processes, with a particular focus on the RAS–MEK–ERK pathway and its downstream effectors.
Using molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and in vivo models, we aim to characterise novel signalling mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of human cancers. A current priority is the study of SHOC2 as a potential treatment target and pathway modulator. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer biology research within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.
The successful candidate will contribute to investigating SHOC2 as a novel therapeutic target in RAS‑driven cancers. A major component of this role will involve in vivo work using mouse models.
Alongside in vivo research, the postholder will support day-to-day laboratory operations and contribute to experimental projects involving molecular biology and cell culture. Responsibilities will include optimising and validating protocols, performing experiments, and maintaining accurate research records. The candidate will also assist with training new lab members, documenting laboratory protocols, and ensuring compliance with safety and ethical standards, including contributing to safety inductions and risk assessments. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in advancing translational cancer research within a highly collaborative team. The primary supervisor will be Dr Pablo Rodriguez-Viciana.
Applicants without a Personal Licence (PIL) will be required to obtain one soon after appointment, with full training and support provided.
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 position is available from for 12 months.
Interviews will be held on-site at the beginning of July.
About you
Prospective candidates must have:
1. Minimum BSc in Biological Sciences or a related discipline
2. Experience working in a research lab as a technician or researcher or student
3. Experience in cell biology including mammalian cell culture
4. Willingness and ability to work with mouse in vivo models
5. Ability to supervise students and technicians with various levels of experience
Experience with animal handling and in vivo work and a background in Cancer Biology are desirable but not essential.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
6. 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
7. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
8. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
9. On-Site nursery
10. On-site gym
11. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
12. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
13. Discounted medical insurance
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