Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

Company

University College London

Job description

About usMultiple myeloma is a common but largely incurable blood cancer. Despite therapeutic advances, there remains an unmet need for new treatments.Chimeric antigen receptors or CARs have been a medical breakthrough of a generation and show promise in myeloma. UCL has the largest CAR T cell program in Europe and the largest myeloma practice nationally. We developed the first myeloma CAR to enter clinical trials in Europe and have the only recruiting academic CAR T cell trial in the UK for this condition. Further we also have an active laboratory program developing strategies to improve the effectiveness of CAR T cells myeloma patients.One of the major challenges in CAR T cell development is the paucity of clinically relevant laboratory models. For example, although most myeloma patients initially respond to CAR-T therapy, relapses are frequent. A key reason for this is likely to be the immune environment in the tumour niche acts to suppress the activity of adoptively transferred T cells. However the immune microenvironment is not typically replicated in current laboratory evaluation of prospective constructs. This serves as a major barrier to the rationale development of strategies that will allow transformative change in patientsWe have an interest in the application of relevant pre-clinical in vivo models to further development of CARs for cancer. Specifically, to perform comparative and systematic analysis of different augmentation strategies which is simply not possible in patients and clinically irrelevant when attempted in traditional in vitro assays or xenogeneic models.Based on a parallel project carried out by an existing PhD student, we have been awarded funding for an innovative project by BCUK for the systematic in vivo screening of possible augmentation strategies to prolong persistence of CAR T cells in myeloma.About the roleThis role will involve working across the myeloma and immunotherapy labs in UCL to drive the above project,The post holder will develop new approaches to CAR-T design based on rational modulation of T cell function, and evaluate CAR-T cell activity primarily in vivo. Using skills of protein engineering, CRISPR screening in combination with detailed phenotyping by high dimensional flow cytometry, single cell and bulk sequencing, and TCR sequencing.The post is funded until February 2025, with the possibility of extension until February 2027, depending on the progress of the project.Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. Appointment on the grade 7 scale will be made at £42,099 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.About youThe post holder will be highly experienced in flow cytometry, including the design of high dimensional panels, molecular biology, and have an understanding of cancer immunology. They will be required to set up new platforms as required for the successful execution of the project.Candidates must have experience in presenting complex scientific concepts and content both in writing and verbally. They will show a strong commitment to the lab mission and embody its values through excellent collaborative interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting. Further, excellent communication skills and the ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team and to train juniors are essential.The post holder will be expected to have the ability to assist other members of the lab, supervise MSc and PhD students, collaborate with external research groups, as well as contributing to the organisation and smooth operation of the lab.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs 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.Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.Available documents

Expected salary

£42099 per year

Location

North West London

Job date

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:04:51 GMT

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