The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. We provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) leads the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment.
The Molecular Oncology Laboratory, headed by Professor Nicholas Turner, focuses on identifying and understanding resistance to breast cancer treatments with the objective of design novel approaches to treating cancer. In addition, we are developing novel precision medicine strategies for breast cancer using circulating free DNA and other non-invasive assays of breast tumour phenotypes, with the aim to use such assays to personalise breast cancer therapy.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Training Fellow to investigate the mechanisms of resistance to AKT inhibitors. In the last two years AKT inhibition has emerged as one of the most promising targeted therapies for breast cancer, yet there is limited understanding of clinically relevant resistance mechanisms. The successful applicant will use in vivo and in vitro breast cancer models derived from patients (PDX and PDO) to identify mechanism of resistance to AKT inhibition. A combination of high-throughput in vitro and in vivo functional genomic approaches will be used, these may include RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas9 and drug screens. The fellow will also analyse tumour biopsy and liquid biopsy samples from patients treated with AKT inhibitors in the clinic.
Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in biology, genetics or other associated subjects, experience in molecular and cellular biology and a strong track record of high-quality biomedical research as exemplified by their publication record. It is desirable that applicants are familiar with genetic techniques such as next generation sequencing, and functional genomic approaches such a high-throughput screens, genome editing with CRISPR, and also tissue culture/engineering and 3D cell culture.
We would expect successful candidates to contribute to the development of a project and research plan that makes the most of the resources and interests of the laboratory as well as the candidate’s specific skill set and experience.
Appointment will be on a fixed term contract for 3 years in the first instance. The salary scale is in the range of £32,200* p.a. to £40,100 p.a. inclusive. Starting salary will be based on previous postdoctoral experience.
*£32,200 p.a. inclusive for thesis submitted, awaiting PhD award.
Interviews are expected to take place in late January 2020.
Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made via email to Dr. Maria Teresa Herrera (
[email protected]). Please note – this address is for enquiries only and you should not send your application to this email address.
Applications should be submitted online, job ref 929
