Reference number: WMGC96413MK
Closing date: 16 January 2014

We seek to appoint a postdoctoral Research Associate with cell and molecular immunology/biology experience to the Antibody Discovery Group led by Dr Sophia Karagiannis to conduct cutting edge research into antibody discovery for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer in collaboration with Professor Andrew Tutt, Professor of Oncology, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit, Research Oncology. Interest and background in cancer immunology, B cell and antibody immunology/biology and in vivo models of cancer are important as is knowledge of flow cytometric/flow sorting techniques.

The successful candidate would ideally have a background and particular interest in the immune-based therapeutics, such as antibodies or biological therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. The post will be based in Cutaneous Medicine/Dermatology under the supervision of Dr Sophia Karagiannis. The successful candidate will join our interdisciplinary team of scientists that include a Research Associate, a Clinical Lecturer and two Research Technicians focusing on different aspects of cancer immunotherapy with antibodies. The successful candidate is expected to interact and collaborate with Professor Nestle’s established team of scientists and academic clinicians in the Cutaneous Medicine/Dermatology group focusing on the role of immune responses in skin pathologies such as psoriasis. The postholder will work through close interactions with colleagues in Professor Andrew Tutt’s research and clinical oncology team.

This post will involve developing and piloting medium-throughput screening, characterisation and evaluation studies for the discovery of novel antibodies which can be used in targeting tumour markers. The project will entail designing and implementing innovative approaches in antibody discovery and efficacy testing that will incorporate primary cell isolation and culture, antibody and/or protein cloning, expression and purification and a range of molecular biology, cell biology and imaging techniques. The successful candidate will ideally be an experienced cell and molecular immunologist with background in cancer immunotherapy, designing and implementing in vivo models of cancer suitable for cancer immunotherapy. Interest in and knowledge of analysis of antibody functions and efficacy for cancer therapy are highly desirable. The post holder will join an interdisciplinary team and is expected to lead on antibody discovery, but also interact closely and effectively with the Research Technician to be appointed to this project and with members of each theme group. The successful candidate is also expected to help mentor PhD students and assist with supervision of junior staff and will also contribute to writing of grant applications, publications for appropriate scientific journals and present research findings at scientific meetings.

This post is funded by Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The appointment will be made at Grade 6, currently £31,644 per annum, plus £2,323 per annum London Allowance. This is a fixed-term contract until 14 October 2018.

To apply for this post, please visit the College’s website via the 'Apply' button below. Please ensure that you follow the instructions carefully, as incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered.