Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Research Assistant

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for basic biological and translational cancer research at University College London, one of the world's leading universities. The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing more effective therapies for cancer patients. The UCL Cancer Institute is part of the CRUK City of London Centre, which draws together the expertise present in four leading centres for cancer research, UCL, Barts, KCL and the Francis Crick Institute.

Understanding the spectrum of cancer complexities and their translation to therapeutic benefit is intimately dependent on preclinical models that accurately reflect tumour ecosystems, heterogeneity and patient diversity. This cannot be achieved with existing preclinical models.

Existing preclinical models for cancer including genetically inbred mice, Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) mice, organoids and multi-cellular models cannot capture the full spectrum of cancer complexity needed for driving effective therapeutic translation. Live human tumour cultures offer a powerful alternative as they preserve the microenvironment of real tumours including stromal elements, immune infiltrates and vasculature networks while also accommodating sub-clonal/clonal heterogeneity and patient diversity. Despite this potential, live tumour culture methods have not, as yet, been widely adopted in the cancer research community, with explanations ranging from a reluctance to change reliance on existing models to lack of awareness, lack of confidence in tissue stability and limited access to fresh patient tissue.

INTREPID (IN vitro TumouR Explant models for evaluating cancer complexity and Patient Diversity) will tackle the barriers associated with widespread adoption of live human tumour culture models to drive a step change in their use in the cancer research community. By implementing INTREPID, we aim to ensure that live human tumour culture methodologies are widely adopted and sustained as models of choice for basic and applied cancer studies in academia and industry.

The role will be available until November 2028 in the first instance. 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. We welcome applications from all candidates. Please note that applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should be aware that this role is not normally considered eligible for sponsorship under current UK immigration rules. Applicants who would require sponsorship to take up this role should be aware that UCL is therefore unlikely to be able to sponsor an appointment to this post.

You will have a degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline, with experience handling human tissue and/or blood samples. You will be highly organised, with excellent record-keeping skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. You will be a strong communicator who can collaborate with colleagues and clinical teams while also demonstrating the initiative to work independently. The successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering high-quality research with integrity. Experience in patient consenting, working with surgical teams, or a higher degree (e.g. MSc) would be advantageous.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme
• Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.