Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Queen Mary University of London

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to develop a novel therapeutic strategy for late stage prostate cancer using our recently engineered oncolytic adenoviruses.

The oncolytic mutants selectively kill cancer cells with robust efficacy and therapeutic activity in preclinical models of prostate cancer, including monolayer and 3-dimensional co-cultures, and in vivo (Man et al, MCT 2018; Aguirre-Hernandez, Oncogenesis 2018).

To reach distant tumour lesions after systemic administration, the oncolytic mutants will be coated with specific proteins and other reagents to protect the virus from blood factor binding and the rapid hepatic elimination. The postdoctoral researcher will identify and optimize encapsulated virus complexes for increased circulatory half-life, tumour cell lysis and spread within the tumour microenvironment in preclinical cell culture and in vivo models.

A major part of the project is to further modify the virus package to activate host anti-tumour immune responses by arming with immune stimulatory factors to promote long-term immunity to prostate cancer. The overall aim of this project is to develop an oncolytic adenovirus-based delivery system to target and eliminate metastatic lesions after systemic delivery to treat late-stage prostate cancer patients and promote host anti-tumour immune responses.

The successful applicant will hold a PhD in a relevant biological subject, have significant research experience in preclinical models, oncolytic viruses, and/or immunotherapies. Experience in immunology and biochemistry (protein-protein interactions) and adenovirus biology would be an advantage. A demonstrated ability to communicate well, work within a team, maintain good laboratory records, independent, self-motivated and honest, are also essential. The research will be based in the Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, within the Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London.

The post is full time for 3 years starting as soon as possible. Starting salary will be in the range (£32,956-£38,709) per annum inclusive of London Allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, pension scheme and an interest free season ticket loan.

The Barts Cancer Institute requires that applicants invited for interview will need to provide all certificates to confirm their qualifications (specified in the Job Description).

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.

Informal enquiries about this post, including arrangements to visit the Institute/Centre, can be made to Dr Gunnel Halldén, email g.hallden@qmul.ac.uk

Details about Barts Cancer Institute can be found at www.bci.qmul.ac.uk

To apply, please visit the Human Resources website on http://www.jobs.qmul.ac.uk and search for reference QMUL15730

The Closing date is Sep 10, 2018 and interviews are likely to be held in the week commencing on Sep 17, 2018.

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