At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching cancer therapies and contribute to groundbreaking projects.
- Company: Newcastle University, a global leader in research with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, health initiatives, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with top researchers in the field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Background in cancer biology or related fields; experience with lab techniques is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 35608 £ per year.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package, great pension schemes, and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 26 July 2026
The Role
We are excited to launch a new opportunity for a Research Assistant or Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary translational cancer research team investigating therapeutic vulnerabilities in neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), with a focus on prostate cancer. You will be based within the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer working with Dr Daniel Westaby and Dr Luke Gaughan and collaborating with colleagues at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. The post sits within a translational programme linking laboratory discovery, medical oncology and biomarker-driven therapeutic development. The project is funded through a pump‑priming translational research programme funded by the JGW Patterson Foundation. It is focused on developing innovative therapeutic strategies that target the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in high‑grade neuroendocrine carcinomas. The expected impact is to generate pre‑clinical evidence, biomarkers and mechanistic insight to support future early‑phase clinical trial development.
The role will involve establishing and characterising neuroendocrine‑like cancer models, performing pharmacological drug‑screening studies using apoptosis‑targeting agents, and undertaking mechanistic assays to understand treatment response and resistance. You will work closely with clinicians, translational scientists and external collaborators, and will contribute to data analysis, presentations, publications and future grant proposals.
We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a strong interest in cancer biology and translational research, and experience in cancer cell line models, molecular and cellular biology, drug screening, gene perturbation approaches, cell viability/apoptosis assays and western blotting. You should be organised, collaborative and able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. This post is fixed term for 12 months, with potential for extension subject to funding.
To Apply
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should briefly address:
- your relevant experience in cancer biology, molecular biology and/or apoptosis signalling
- your experience using cancer cell line models and laboratory assays relevant to this project
- your experience with drug screening, pharmacological studies or gene perturbation approaches
- your ability to analyse data, solve problems and communicate research findings
- how you would contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment
Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.
Research Associate
- Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research
- Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
- Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
Project‑specific Accountabilities
- Establish, maintain and characterise neuroendocrine‑like cancer cell line models relevant to high‑grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer
- Design and perform pharmacological drug‑screening studies using agents that target the intrinsic apoptosis pathway
- Conduct mechanistic apoptosis studies including cell viability assays, caspase assays, western blotting and siRNA or related gene perturbation experiments
- Analyse experimental datasets to interpret treatment response, resistance mechanisms and biomarker associations
- Contribute to development of translational outputs, including presentations, manuscripts, grant proposals and future patient‑derived or organoid model work
The Person
- Strong background knowledge in cancer biology, molecular biology and apoptosis signalling
- Experience working with cancer cell line models
- Experience with drug screening or pharmacological studies
- Experience with gene perturbation approaches, such as siRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 or related methods
- Experience performing cell viability and/or apoptosis assays and western blotting
Research Assistant
- Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
- Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
- Proven ability to analyse data and write‑up results
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
- Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
- The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
In addition for Research Associate
- Awareness of the research environment
- High level of analytical and problem‑solving capacity
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
- Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high-quality publications
- Experience analysing large biological datasets or bioinformatic data
Attributes and Behaviour
- Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
- Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
- Commitment to continued professional development
- Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity
- Flexibility, self‑motivation and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Qualifications
- Research Assistant: Honours degree in a relevant subject, such as cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences or a related discipline; or close to submission of a relevant PhD
- In addition for Research Associate: PhD awarded in a relevant subject, such as cancer biology, cell biology, cancer genetics, molecular biology or a related discipline
Newcastle University is a global university where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Translational Cancer Researcher — Apoptosis & NEC in England employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of immuno-oncology research. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive team atmosphere. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Translational Cancer Researcher — Apoptosis & NEC in England
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We think you need these skills to ace Translational Cancer Researcher — Apoptosis & NEC in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Lab Skills:In the biotech world, your lab skills are paramount. Make sure your CV highlights specific techniques and equipment you’ve used, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or cell culture. This will give us a clear picture of what you can bring to Newcastle University as a temporary teammate.
Highlight Your Research Experience:If you’ve worked on any research projects — whether during your studies or in previous positions — make sure to detail these in your application. Include the objective, your role, and what you achieved. This will help us see your potential and fit for the temporary position at Newcastle University.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Especially for a temporary role, we want to see a clear and focused application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the biotech field and the specific role at Newcastle University. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and capable.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since it’s a temporary role, let us know right away when you’re available to start and how long you can commit. Include this in your cover letter — this kind of transparency saves us all time and helps us find the right fit quickly at Newcastle University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Brush Up on Your Biotech Basics
Understanding the fundamental concepts in biotechnology is crucial. Be ready to discuss core topics like genetics, molecular biology, or bioinformatics, especially if you're asked technical questions. We suggest revisiting your coursework or recent projects to refresh your memory.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, they’re likely looking for someone who can jump in and get up to speed quickly. Share experiences where you’ve adapted to new environments, tools, or teams in a short space of time. It shows you're ready to tackle the challenge head-on!
✨Emphasise Your Lab Experience
If you’ve got hands-on experience in lab settings, now’s the time to showcase it. Talk about specific techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, and any relevant safety protocols you’ve followed. These details help paint you as an effective team member from day one.
✨Be Prepared to Explain Your Passion
Hiring managers want to see your motivation, especially for a temporary position in a fast-paced field like biotechnology. Be ready to discuss what excites you about the industry, your career goals, and how this role at Newcastle University aligns with them. It’s all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a stepping stone in your biotech journey.
