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- Tasks: Join our team to conduct high-throughput cell-based screens for cancer drug discovery.
- Company: The Institute of Cancer Research is a leading global cancer research institute with over 100 years of impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive staff benefits, ICR sponsorship, and support for visa applications.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer treatment while working in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Qualifications: Master's in Cell Biology required; PhD or relevant experience preferred.
- Other info: We encourage diverse applicants and support underrepresented groups in STEM.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Key Information
Salary : Commencement on the salary range is subject to comparable skills and experience. Future progression is based on annual performance review.
This role is eligible for ICR Sponsorship. Support will be provided for costs associated with Visa application. If you are considering relocating to the UK, further information can be found here.
Duration of Contract : Fixed Term for 2 years (in first instance)
Hours per week : 35 hours per week (Full Time)
Closing Date : 13th January 2025
Job Details
We seek a Higher Scientific Officer within the Target Evaluation & Molecular Therapeutics (TEMT) team to carry out high-throughput cell-based screens and target validation assays to uncover potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Projects will involve the use of cancer cell lines treated with libraries of small molecules, targeted protein degraders and chemotherapeutics. Genetic perturbation techniques such as RNAi/CRISPR along with compound dose-response curves will be employed in combination with plated-based cancer viability assays. These experiments will generate key decision-making data for target ID and validation and enable target prioritisation for drug discovery.
Key Requirements
The successful candidate will be skilled in the development, implementation and quality control of high-throughput cell-based screening. Skills in arrayed or pooled cell-based screening, which may include small molecules and arrayed RNAi screening, and experience with compound dose-response assays, will be important in this role. Experience working with cell lines requiring different culturing conditions and knowledge in cancer biology will be essential. Moreover, prior experience in using molecular cell biology techniques for the assessment of target function and mechanism would be desirable. Finally, at least a Master’s level qualification in Cell Biology or an aligned subject is required for this role, with a relevant PhD (or relevant industrial drug discovery experience) being desirable.
Department/Directorate Information
The Division of Cancer Therapeutics has an unrivalled track record at discovering novel cancer treatments for the personalised treatment of cancer. Within the Division, the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD) is a multidisciplinary ‘bench to bedside’ centre, comprising 160 staff dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. We are one of the largest academic cancer drug discovery groups in the world and, together with our collaborators, have discovered 21 preclinical development candidates, 13 of which have been progressed to clinical evaluation, many with our partners in the ICR/Royal Marsden Drug Development Unit. Our drug abiraterone (Zytiga) has been approved in the US, Canada and Europe for late-stage prostate cancer.
The CCDD’s mission is to develop personalised medicines by translating information from the cancer genome and cancer biology into drugs for patient benefit. We implement innovative drug discovery technologies, discover novel mechanism-based drugs, and develop these as rapidly as possible from the laboratory through to hypothesis-testing early clinical trials. We publish our work extensively and have a large network of collaborations with academia, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Our teams are dedicated to the discovery of small molecule drug candidates, and to the development of high quality chemical probes to enable new cancer biology research. The Division of Cancer Therapeutics is based in state-of-the art laboratories in the new £75m Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery building, opened in 2020 on the ICR Sutton campus.
Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery – The Institute of Cancer Research, London
Target Evaluation and Molecular Therapeutics – The Institute of Cancer Research, London
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr Justin Joachim via Email (email protected)
About The Institute of Cancer Research
Why work for us?
As a member of staff, you’ll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.
The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles, please click here to find out further information.
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. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.
We look forward to receiving applications from all candidates, wherever in the world they are currently based. We will select those who display the potential to become, or to support, the world leading cancer researchers of the future based on their application and performance at interview. However, we particularly welcome British applicants from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, as they are under-represented within the ICR and nationwide in STEM roles.
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Higher Scientific Officer, Drug Discovery Biology (Target Evaluation & Molecular Therapeutics team) employer: The Institute Of Cancer Research
Contact Detail:
The Institute Of Cancer Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Scientific Officer, Drug Discovery Biology (Target Evaluation & Molecular Therapeutics team)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in high-throughput cell-based screening techniques. Being able to discuss recent innovations or methodologies during your interview can demonstrate your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in cancer research and drug discovery. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and connect with current employees at the Institute of Cancer Research on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into the team and their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with molecular biology techniques, especially those related to cancer biology. Highlight any projects where you successfully implemented RNAi/CRISPR or compound dose-response assays.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Institute of Cancer Research's recent publications and breakthroughs. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only help you understand their mission but also allow you to ask informed questions during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Scientific Officer, Drug Discovery Biology (Target Evaluation & Molecular Therapeutics team)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in high-throughput cell-based screening and cancer biology. Emphasize any specific techniques you have used, such as RNAi/CRISPR or compound dose-response assays.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cancer research and how your skills align with the goals of the Target Evaluation & Molecular Therapeutics team. Mention any previous projects that relate directly to the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially your Master's and any relevant PhD qualifications. If you have industrial drug discovery experience, make sure to include that as well.
Showcase Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, highlight any past experiences where you collaborated with others in research settings. This can demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Institute Of Cancer Research
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with high-throughput cell-based screening and molecular biology techniques. Highlight specific projects where you utilized RNAi/CRISPR or compound dose-response assays, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Cancer Biology
Familiarize yourself with current trends and challenges in cancer research. Be ready to explain how your background in cell biology aligns with the goals of the Target Evaluation & Molecular Therapeutics team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a lab setting. Think about how you would approach target validation assays or troubleshoot issues in high-throughput screening.
✨Express Your Passion for Drug Discovery
Convey your enthusiasm for contributing to cancer therapeutics. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive your interest in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
