Research Associate in Molecular Imaging of Cancer in London

The School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences (BMEIS) at King’s College London brings together scientists, engineers and clinicians to develop new technologies for understanding, diagnosing and treating disease. The post-holder will join the Imaging Metallomics research programme led by Dr Cinzia Imberti within the Research Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology. Our interdisciplinary research combines molecular imaging and metallomics to understand the behaviour of endogenous metals and metal-based therapeutics in cancer, with access to state-of-the-art preclinical imaging and associated research facilities.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship-funded programme in Imaging Metallomics, developing and applying molecular imaging approaches to investigate the role of endogenous metal ions and (radio)metal-based therapeutics in cancer. The successful candidate will lead the biological aspects of the programme and be responsible for planning, performing and analysing molecular imaging studies, with a primary focus on radionuclide imaging in preclinical cancer models. They will work closely with multidisciplinary researchers across the Imaging Metallomics group and the wider department.

Hands-on experience in radionuclide imaging and radioactive biological assays is highly desirable but not essential. Candidates with strong expertise in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models are encouraged to apply, with experience in cancer models being particularly relevant. Candidates should have a strong interest in developing skills in radionuclide imaging and metallomics. The post-holder will also supervise, train and support students and contribute to collaborative research across the group and the wider department. The role offers opportunities to lead high-quality publications, present research internationally and contribute to the development of innovative imaging technologies for cancer research.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a 2-year fixed-term contract. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• Essential criteria
• PhD (or near completion) in cancer biology, molecular imaging, biomedical sciences, pharmacology or a closely related discipline, and a BSc (2:1 or above) in biology, pharmacy or a related subject.
• Proven experience in independently designing and conducting biological evaluation studies using cell lines and in vivo mouse models.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
• Knowledge of molecular imaging approaches (e.g. PET, SPECT, MRI, optical imaging) and their application in biomedical research.
• Interest in metallomics and enthusiasm to develop expertise in this research area.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, manage and deliver research projects, with evidence of research productivity appropriate to career stage.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, including experience working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and support students and colleagues.
• Desirable criteria
• Experience in radionuclide imaging, including handling radioactive materials, preclinical PET/SPECT imaging and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience in cancer models, including in vitro and mouse models.
• Experience in bioconjugation and radiolabelling of biomolecules or other imaging probes.
• Experience in metallomics research, including techniques such as ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy and related elemental imaging approaches.
• Experience with advanced cellular and tissue imaging techniques, including immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis.

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description.