Research Assistant in Cancer Drug Discovery

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our team to work on a project titled "Direct Expression, Direct Effect: Functional Mapping of Druggable Transcription Factor Interfaces in Pancreatic Cancer". This project will use innovative molecular and cellular approaches to explore new ways of understanding and targeting pancreatic cancer. You will help build and screen genetically encoded peptide libraries in cancer cell models, with the aim of identifying molecules and mechanisms that influence cancer cell behaviour. The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience at the interface of molecular biology, cancer research and drug discovery.

You will develop and expand your practical skills in plasmid library generation and validation, mammalian cell culture, cell-based screening and proteomics. You will also contribute to experimental planning, data analysis, record keeping, preparation of figures and reports, and presentation of results. The post would particularly suit a researcher with practical experience in cancer cell culture or proteomics but is open to anyone with a strong drive to develop methodological expertise in these interdisciplinary techniques, a curiosity-driven approach to research, and a genuine interest in understanding pancreatic cancer and how it can be more effectively treated.

You will join a collaborative and supportive research team focused on developing new chemical and biological approaches to treat cancer. Training will be provided in relevant techniques, and you will be supported to develop increasing independence over the course of the project.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. This time can be used for activities that support your career development and personal growth, including workshops, training courses, mentoring, networking, conferences, public engagement, and preparation of future PhD/job applications.

About you

We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You will hold a degree in biochemistry, natural sciences, pharmacology, chemistry or a related discipline. Some practical experience from your degree or other equivalent laboratory experience in standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing is desirable. You will have a good understanding of cell biology, with practical experience of cancer cell culture being highly beneficial. Experience with the preparation of proteomics samples and subsequent data analysis would be highly advantageous but is not essential. We value reliability, care in laboratory practice and willingness to learn as much as formal experience. Excellent communication and organisational skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team, and enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques are essential.

This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term role. We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.