Job description

We are seeking an individual to join the Patient Derived Models (PDM) team in the Breast Cancer Now (BCN) Research Unit based at the Innovation Hub, Guy’s Caner Centre, KCL Guy’s Campus.

We wish to hire EITHER:

- A Research Technician (Grade 4: £32,179 - £35,596 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance)

OR

- A Senior Research Technician (Grade 5: £36,532 - £41,299 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance)

There is only one role available. Please state in your cover letter which role you wish to be considered for, based on your level of experience. Please refer to the appropriate key responsibilities, skills, knowledge, and experience for each grade.

Job Description (applies to both Research Technician and Senior Research Technician roles):

The post-holder will be based within Professor Tutt’s laboratory. Professor Tutt’s research group focuses on identifying and characterizing novel biomarkers and targets for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancers, respectively. In particular, the group focuses on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and breast cancers associated with functional DNA damage repair deficiencies such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. In recent years, Professor Tutt's research group have published work in major journals including Nature Medicine, Cancer Discovery, Cancer Research and Science Translational Medicine and Breast Cancer Research.

The post holder will work under the direct supervision of Dr Jennifer Trendell, Research Fellow and will work closely with a Senior Research Technician within the team. The primary focus of the PDM team is to develop patient derived xenograft (PDX) models from breast cancer patient samples and to conduct in vivo experiments to assist with multiple projects within the Breast Cancer Now Unit.

To date, the PDM team have successfully generated a large panel of in vivo PDX experimental models of breast cancer which are subsequently used by the team as representative patient models for translational studies. In addition to contributing to generation of new PDX models, the post holder will also work on additional in vivo experimental models of breast cancer including cell line xenografts and metastatic models. Together the aim of this work is to identify and characterise targets and associated biomarkers for development of novel breast cancer therapies.

The post-holder will be required to provide high level technical support to the in vivo experimental work being undertaken in multiple projects within the Breast Cancer Now Unit. The candidate will be expected to take direct responsibility of specific research projects by providing original intellectual input, experimental design, implementation and optimization of new techniques, research project management, data analysis, presentation of results at internal meetings and to assist in the preparation of manuscripts for experimental work.

The main aim of this role is to perform in vivo research; with a focus on generation of PDX models and to conduct in vivo experiments in particular to characterise PDX sensitivity to standard treatments and to test response to novel therapeutic agents. This will involve processing of patient samples, PDX model generation, surgical implantation of PDX tumours and cell lines into mice, health monitoring, drug dosing by multiple routes, whole body imaging, and tumour dissection. In addition, the post holder will be responsible for management of transgenic mouse colonies. As such, the post holder should be proficient in a wide range of in vivo skills. The post holder will also be involved in the in vitro characterisation of PDX models – including DNA, RNA and protein extraction from mouse tumours, STR profiling, and submission of samples for sequencing. They will also perform in vitro culture and manipulation of cell lines for use in in vivo experiments.

The post holder will work closely and communicate daily with the BCN clinical team to coordinate establishment of PDX models. They will also be expected to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with members of the BCN team and the wider Innovation Hub community; this may involve participation at operational meetings and representation of the team at relevant committees. In addition, the post holder will work closely with the Patient Derived Organoid (PDO) and Mammary Intraductal (MIND) teams at the ICR for coordination of patient derived model establishment across sites and programs.

In addition, the post-holder will be responsible for general laboratory maintenance, including preparation and maintenance of shared stocks and reagents. The post holder will receive relevant supervision and training in specialised techniques and will meet with their line manager on a regular basis to review results and plan experiments. Equally, once established, the post-holder should be able to work independently without the requirement for day-to-day supervision and is encouraged to contribute to the design of experiments. Where appropriate, the post-holder should provide training on specialised laboratory skills to junior staff and students.

Applicants should have a BSc and/or MSc in biological sciences and previous experience with in vivo research.

It is essential for the post-holder to hold a UK Personal Licence for Home Office Modules A and B to fulfil the key objectives of this role (Additionally Module C is highly desirable for the Research Technician Role, and Essential for the Senior Research Technician Role).

The role is based in Professor Tutt’s laboratory at the Guy’s Hospital campus but will also involve close interaction with other teams within BCN based both at King’s College London and at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. On occasion the post holder may be required to conduct work at the ICR and a degree of flexibility to work evenings will be required to accommodate the nature of the role working with patient samples.

Job Description: Senior Research Technician Role (Grade 5) Only

Only experienced in vivo research technicians should apply for the Senior Research Technician role.

Applicants to this role are expected to have a minimum of 2.5 years in vivo experience; including previous experience working with tumour xenograft or PDX models, preferably in the breast cancer setting. They will be expected to have extensive experience in surgical procedures, tumour monitoring and drug dosing via multiple routes.

Applicants for this grade are also expected to have experience of standard in vitro laboratory techniques e.g. tissue culture, RNA and DNA extraction, and other cell and molecular biology techniques.

A Senior Research Technician will be expected to work independently, taking direct responsibility of specific research projects and leading on experimental design, project management, data analysis, preparation of project reports and presentation of results at internal meetings.

PLEASE STATE IN YOUR COVER LETTER WHETHER YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN OR SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN ROLE

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 2 years.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

Key duties will include (but are not limited to):  

• Processing of patient samples, both tumour tissues and blood. This will involve working closely with the BCN clinical team. 
• PDX model generation, which routinely includes: surgical implantation of PDX tumours into mice, health monitoring (measurement of tumour size and mouse weights) and tumour dissection.  
• Contribution to the design of in vivo experiments, involving PDX models or cell line xenografts. 
• Conduct of in vivo experiments, in particular to characterise PDX sensitivity to standard treatments and to test response to novel therapeutic agents. This will routinely include: surgical implantation of PDX tumours/ cell lines into mice, monitoring of tumour size and mouse weights, drug dosing by multiple routes (including IP and IV injections and oral gavage) and tumour dissection. This may include metastatic modelling of breast cancer and In vivo whole animal imaging (including bioluminescent IVIS imaging).
• In vitro characterisation and validation of patient samples, PDX models and experimental data sets. This will include DNA, RNA and protein extraction from mouse tumours, STR profiling, coordination and interpretation of histology analysis and submission of samples for sequencing.
• In vitro culture and manipulation of cell lines for use in in vivo experiments.
• Management of transgenic mouse colonies 
• General laboratory duties such as preparation and maintenance of shared stocks and reagents, ordering of laboratory consumables and reagents, management of equipment, participation in regular laboratory cleaning rota and maintenance of laboratory databases and inventories. 
• Close collaboration with collaborators at other sites, including management of multi-site projects and coordination of shipment of clinical and research samples.  
• Experimental database management, data analysis and presentation of experimental results.  
• Implementation and optimisation of new scientific methods relevant to the Unit’s programme of work. This may include assisting to facilitate the establishment of mammary intraductal injections (MIND) as a new method for growing PDX and cell line xenograft models at our site.  
• Where appropriate, the post-holder should provide training on specialised laboratory skills to other team members including junior staff and students. 
• To take direct responsibility of specific research projects by providing original intellectual input, experimental design, implementation and optimization of new techniques, research project management, data analysis, presentation of results at internal meetings and to assist in the preparation of manuscripts of the experimental work.  
• Liaise with research colleagues, support staff and administrative team within the wider department setting in addition to external service providers for the support of the research. This may involve participation in relevant operational meetings.  
• To work to ensure the implementation of good laboratory practice, including the provision of excellent data management, data storage and record keeping in laboratory notebooks, files and computers in line with KCL laboratory policy. This will be performed in liaison with, and under the direction of the line manager. 
• To remain up to date with the relevant scientific, technical and methodological literature.  
• To regularly participate in group meetings and present work to a wider internal and external audience.  
• On occasion to work within Breast Cancer Now Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research in Chelsea. 
• To be willing to work flexibly, with the occasional need for evening work to accommodate patient samples.  
• To undertake any other duties that are required which are consistent with the nature and grade of the post.  

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Research Technician Role (Grade 4)

Essential criteria

1. BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.  
2. UK Home Office Module A + B training completed. 
3. Prior education/exposure to the cancer research field. Previous experience working in the cancer research field is highly desirable.  
4. Proven experience working within a research laboratory environment, working on biomedical research projects.  
5. Experience working with animals (particularly mice) within a biomedical research environment 
6. Prior experience in various dosing techniques for delivery of in vivo therapeutics (this may include: intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, IV injection). 
7. Knowledge of 2D and 3D cell culture and cell biology techniques. Prior experience is desirable.  
8. Proven ability to work independently, to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to manage and prioritize own workload.  
9. Experience in the design, conduct, optimisation and analysis of biomedical experiments.   
10. Proven experience of preparing scientific graphs and figures, writing scientific reports and presenting scientific research. 
11. Computer literacy. Experience working with MS Excel is essential. Prior experience working with mouse database management systems and scientific graphing software such as GraphPad Prism is highly desirable.  
12. Experience working with large data sets.  

Desirable criteria

1. MSc degree awarded (or near completion) in a relevant subject 
2. Home Office Module C training and Home Office Personal Licence. 
3. Previous experience working with tumour xenograft and PDX models. 
4. Experience of working with patient material (including bloods), cell Biology techniques (tissue culture, cell-based assays) and/or molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extractions/PCR). 
5. Previous experience in a technical role with involvement in laboratory management. Including: preparation of drugs, reagents and/or stock solutions, ordering reagents, maintenance of equipment and management of laboratory inventories and databases.   

Research Technician Role (Grade 5)

Essential criteria

1. BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.  
2. Holds a UK Personal Licence for Home Office Modules A, B and C 
3. Extensive experience of working with mice and studies involving in vivo models in the breast cancer setting.  
4. Previous extensive experience working with tumour xenograft and PDX models. In particular, experience of trocar implantation and monitoring tumour growth in the mammary fat pad. 
5. Expertise in various dosing techniques for delivery of cancer therapeutics (including: intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, IV injection). 
6. Surgical experience: including ability to demonstrate aseptic surgical techniques and experience of induction and maintenance of anesthesia. 
7. Experience performing in vivo whole animal imaging (IVIS) and analysis of IVIS data. 
8. Experience performing RNA and DNA extractions, STR profiling and 2D or 3D cell culture. 
9. Experience working in a multidisciplinary team and co-ordinating work across multiple clinical, laboratory and animal facility sites.  
10. Proven ability to work independently, to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to manage and prioritize own workload. Experience in the design, conduct, optimisation and analysis of in vivo experiments is essential.
11. Proven experience of preparing scientific figures and presenting scientific work. Experience working with large data sets and excellent computer literacy (including proficiency in graph pad prism) is essential. 
12. Previous experience in a technical role with involvement in laboratory management. Including: preparation of drugs for in vivo experiments and stock solutions, ordering reagents, maintenance of equipment and management of laboratory inventories and databases.   

Desirable criteria

1. MSc degree awarded (or near completion) in a relevant subject 
2. Experience processing patient bloods  
3. Management of transgenic mouse colonies 
4. Able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer patient subtypes, and the development of targeted therapies in particular those focused on DNA repair deficiencies.  
5. Knowledge of the methodology of mammary intraductal injection (MIND) and of preparation of tumour tissues for patient derived organoid model (PDO) derivation for use in breast cancer research. 

Further information

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.