Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

Applicants are invited for a 3-year post-doctorate research project funded by the Little Princess Trust. In this project you will work at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health under supervision of Prof Owen Williams. The aim of this project is to evaluate vulnerabilities associated with the transcription factor MYB in the context of novel small molecule inhibitor therapy of paediatric KMT2A-rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Rearrangements of the KMT2A gene, giving rise to KMT2A fusion genes, are prevalent in paediatric AML and generally associated with poor prognosis disease. Research into the mechanistic basis for KMT2A-driven AML has resulted in the development of targeted molecular therapies with remarkable clinical activity. This project will investigate whether these therapies can be improved by simultaneous targeting of pathways downstream of MYB, a transcription factor that functions in both normal and malignant haematopoiesis. The project will use leukaemia cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models to explore KMT2A-rearranged AML therapeutic susceptibilities in vitro and in vivo, and will involve lentiviral CRISPR drop-out screens. The salary offered in this role is £45,103 – £46,261 per annum and is funded until 18/09/2029 in the first instance.

Experience in tissue culture and molecular biology is essential, and experience with in vitro and in vivo cancer assays is an advantage. Applicants must have (or at least submitted) a PhD in experimental biology. Previous experience with a productive track record in the cancer biology research field is strongly recommended. Individuals without such experience, but with an exceptional track record in productive research in related areas, are also encouraged to apply.

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. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.