Research Technician Full-time

Research Technician

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for 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 kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. It fosters links between basic cancer researchers across Biomedicine and with the clinical activities of our four partner hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners (University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK.

The Nathwani Translational Therapeutics Group is an internationally recognised translational research programme dedicated to developing next-generation biological therapies from bench to bedside. Our research integrates fundamental discovery science with clinical translation to address major unmet medical needs in inherited disorders, cancer and immune-mediated diseases. The group has a strong track record of pioneering first-in-human therapies and translating innovative concepts into clinical trials and licensed medicines.

Our current research focuses on two complementary therapeutic platforms: gene therapy, aimed at improving the safety, efficacy and durability of genetic medicines through next-generation vector technologies; and immunotherapy, where we develop novel biologics including autoregulated T-cell engagers designed to improve efficacy while reducing toxicity. Working at the interface of laboratory science and clinical medicine, the group collaborates closely with academic, clinical and industrial partners to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for patients.

Overall purpose of the role: The role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio spanning vector development, translational immunology and clinical biomarker research, directly supporting the development of next-generation therapies for patients.

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.)

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. The role will be available for two and a half years in the first instance.

You will hold a BSc in a life sciences discipline or possess equivalent relevant experience, with a strong foundation in molecular biology and an interest in translational biomedical research. You will have experience in techniques such as molecular cloning, plasmid design, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, ELISA and Western blotting, alongside hands-on experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and, ideally, primary human cells.

We are looking for someone who understands the principles and challenges of gene therapy and has experience of recombinant protein and/or viral vector production and purification. You will be comfortable following, updating and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining accurate records, and working to high standards of scientific rigour and data integrity.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities while meeting agreed deadlines. You will enjoy working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment, contributing positively to team objectives and supporting innovative research aimed at developing transformative therapies for patients. Previous experience in gene therapy, cell therapy, immunohistochemistry (IHC) or in situ hybridisation (ISH) would be advantageous but is not essential.

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

Please visit Reward and Benefits | Work at UCL – UCL – University College London to find out more.

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: Equality, Diversity Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Think differently, do differently. | Office of the President and Provost (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) – UCL – University College London