Research Technician - Part-time - 0.8 FTE

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World's leading universities. The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. In particular, it fosters links between basic cancer researchers across biomedicine and with the clinical activities of our four partner hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners (University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK.

The Institute has greater clinical links than any comparable centre in the UK, creating a unique opportunity for significant impact on the delivery of clinical service to cancer patients. The Cancer Institute includes the Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre which is one of the largest cancer trials centres in the UK conducting multi-centre national and international phase III trials, feasibility studies and early phase I and II studies. Also embedded within the UCL Cancer Institute is the CRUK City of London Centre, a world class hub for cancer biotherapeutics which fosters collaboration between researchers at University College London, King’s College London, Barts Cancer Institute (Queen Mary University of London), and The Francis Crick Institute.

Furthermore, the Institute offers educational programmes that reflect the depth and breadth of research expertise that include BSc Cancer Biomedicine, MSci Cancer Biomedicine, iBSc Oncology, MSc Cancer and PhD studies. The Pillay Laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular basis of sarcomas, with a particular emphasis on chromosomal instability, tumour evolution and the tumour microenvironment. The group integrates molecular pathology, genomics, and spatial biology approaches to study patient-derived samples and develop clinically relevant insights.

Research in the laboratory combines next-generation and long-read sequencing technologies, spatial transcriptomics, and functional assays in cell models to identify biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities. The work is highly translational, involving close collaboration with clinical partners, biobanks and international research groups to improve diagnostic strategies and patient outcomes in sarcoma.

The postholder will provide specialist technical support to deliver a portfolio of translational sarcoma research projects integrating molecular pathology, genomics and cellular biology. The role will involve the processing and analysis of human tissue samples, execution of sequencing and spatial omics workflows, and support of wet-lab experimental systems including cell culture and flow cytometry. The postholder will play a key role in ensuring high-quality sample preparation, data generation and laboratory operations, while supporting the development of innovative methodologies to investigate chromosomal instability and tumour biology in sarcoma. The role is offered on a part-time basis at 0.8 FTE, with flexibility in working pattern agreed with the successful candidate.

About you

Successful candidates must have a Master's degree in molecular biology, genetics, or a related subject, or a histology qualification (e.g., biomedical science) that includes a significant genetic component. Experience in tissue sample preparation and processing into paraffin wax or frozen blocks, and in cryo-sectioning of frozen samples and microtomy of paraffin blocks across a wide variety of tissues, is essential for the role. Experience in developing new methodologies & technologies; experience with molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting and flow cytometry; a background in Cancer Biology; and experience in biochemical and cell-based assays are desirable but not essential.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.