King's College London

About the role

Early detection of oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is critical to improving patient outcomes and survival rates. When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate exceeds 80%; however, this falls to below 50% when the disease is diagnosed at more advanced stages (III–IV). Despite the accessibility of the oral cavity and the potential for individuals to recognise early changes, nearly half of oral cancer cases in the UK are still diagnosed at an advanced stage. This highlights an urgent need for innovative, accessible and reliable diagnostic tools to support earlier detection and intervention.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic researcher to contribute to the development of a prototype diagnostic test kit capable of detecting cancer-specific biomarkers associated with oral cancer. The overarching aim of this research is to develop a sensitive, reliable and potentially accessible detection platform that could facilitate earlier diagnosis and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The successful candidate will undertake experimental research involving the chemical synthesis, characterisation and analytical evaluation of biomarker detection components. The role will involve developing and optimising detection strategies, assessing their performance, and contributing to the design and validation of a prototype test kit. The postholder will also be expected to analyse and interpret experimental data, maintain accurate research records, and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, publications and presentations.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, analytical science and cancer diagnostics, with the potential to make a meaningful impact on the early detection of oral cancer.

This is a full-time position offered on a fixed-term contract until 31.10.27

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.      A PhD in a relevant field (or pending results) 

2.      Expertise in organic synthesis, full characterization and assignments 

3.      Demonstratable experience in fluorescence and UV-Vis analysis of enzymatic substrates 

4.      Capable of performing western blotting or other proteomic analytic techniques 

5.      Excellent report writing skills with the ability to clearly present complex data 

6.      Demonstratable experience in analysing and interpreting data 

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience in Cell culture, 2D and 3D models

2.      Experience in Fluorescence microscopy to image cell environments

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.