Applications are invited for a research assistant position within the Liquid Biopsies and Cancer Diagnostics Group (http://www.rosenfeldlab.org/) led by Professor Nitzan Rosenfeld at the CRUK Cambridge Institute. The Rosenfeld lab pioneers new approaches for non-invasive molecular diagnostics and analysis of cancer genomes and evolution, using next-generation sequencing of cell-free tumour DNA (ctDNA). We work with large collections of patient material from different clinical studies (encompassing a variety of cancer types), which we analyse by both genome-wide methods and targeted methods for sensitive mutation detection. We aim to build novel tools for cancer diagnostics by developing improved methods and demonstrating clinical utility. We seek to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable individual to work on various CRUK funded projects for the earlier detection of lung and other solid tumours and for the monitoring of various cancers including oesophageal, colorectal, melanoma, breast, ovarian, head and neck and pancreas.
The work will include receiving and logging samples and the processing of plasma and dried blood spots to extract cell free DNA and the generation of next generation sequencing libraries from cfDNA across these cohorts.
Key duties include
-supporting the lab’s research efforts by carrying out routine molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, digital PCR, Tapestation/Bioanalyser, library preparation using both ligation based and amplicon based methods and hybrid capture.
-helping other group members with regular and bespoke laboratory procedures and work-flows.
-work with unscreened human samples (blood plasma, urine etc; as such the candidate will need to demonstrate immunity to Hepatitis B or undertake immunisation).
-helping to receive and organise samples and reagents within the laboratory.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary, translational research group and contribute to our efforts to establish ctDNA as a biomarker for routine clinical use. Applicants should have extensive relevant laboratory experience or a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in a relevant scientific discipline. In addition experience of molecular biology techniques such as PCR and next-generation sequencing is required. Experience of working with human tissue samples or other potentially infectious material, at containment level 2 would be an advantage.
You must have demonstrable ability to work to agreed protocols and standard operating procedures, have good organisational skills and be able to work independently, as well as within a team. Good communication skills will be key to coordinate projects with clinical collaborators, bioinformaticians and other researchers in the group.
This is a fixed-term position with funding available until 31st March 2025. The position may offer exciting opportunities to travel and work at the Barts Cancer Institute in London, where the Rosenfeld lab is in the process of relocating over the next year. We welcome enquiries from applicants who wish to work flexibly within core hours.
The closing date for applications is 12th May 2024. Please apply with a CV, including full details of previous training and research experience to date; a publication record if available; the names and contact details of two academic referees; and a covering letter explaining why you want to join our team and how your skills relate to the job description. Informal enquiries may be made to the Rosenfeld lab management team by emailing rosenfeld.labadmin@cruk.cam.ac.uk
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
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Please quote reference SW41445 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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