Research Assistant – Glioblastoma Cell Plasticity at Queen Mary University of London (Blizard Institute), London, United Kingdom

Queen Mary University of London (Blizard Institute) is recruiting a full-time Research Assistant in London, United Kingdom, on a fixed-term contract of 12 months. The closing date is 25 November 2026.

Job Details

Organization: Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Department: Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

Opportunity ID: 11704

Position: Research Assistant

Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract of 12 months, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Location: Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (QM London)

Salary: £39,187 – £39,802 per annum

Closing Date: 25 November 2026, 23:55 (UK time)

Project Details

The postholder will support a project investigating how glioblastoma cells change state and acquire resistance to treatment. This well-resourced project combines computational discovery with experimental validation to identify regulators of glioblastoma cell plasticity and treatment resistance, with the longer-term aim of developing strategies to prevent tumour recurrence.

Job Description

The postholder will support a project investigating how glioblastoma cells change state and acquire resistance to treatment. The post joins the newly established Nicholson Lab at the Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform cancer cell culture, CRISPR–Cas9 editing and drug-response experiments.
  • Help generate single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets following genetic and pharmacological perturbation.
  • Work closely with Dr James Nicholson (Lecturer in Brain Tumour Computational Biology) and contribute to experimental planning, data collection and interpretation.
  • Support the effective day-to-day delivery of the project.

Eligibility Criteria

A degree in biological sciences, cancer biology, molecular biology or a related subject.

Freshers eligible: the listing states that extensive prior research experience is not required; graduates with a relevant life-science degree can apply.

Required Skills

  • Experience in mammalian cell culture and common molecular biology techniques would be advantageous, although extensive prior research experience is not required.
  • Enthusiasm for experimental research.
  • Ability to work carefully and maintain accurate records.
  • Willingness to learn new techniques.

Additional Information

Training and support will be provided in the project’s specialist cell-culture, gene-editing and single-cell sequencing methods.

Benefits listed by QMUL include a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme, professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.

Informal Contact: Dr James Nicholson, [email protected]

About the Blizard Institute

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six institutes within QMUL’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. It comprises four academic centres and one public engagement centre and supports around 700 postgraduate research and taught students. Its research integrates basic science through to clinical studies across genomics, cell biology, translational immunology, neuroscience and trauma.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

The closing date on the official QMUL vacancy page is 25 November 2026, 23:55 (UK time).