Research Assistant in Cancer Drug Discovery

Research Assistant in Cancer Drug Discovery

Job title Research Assistant in Cancer Drug Discovery

Department Life Sciences

Salary Starting from £31,236, rising to £37,694

Grade Grade 6

Contract Type Full Time, Fixed Term

Placed on Tuesday 28 July 2026

Closing date Tuesday 18 August 2026

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our team to work on a project titled "Direct Expression, Direct Effect:
Functional Mapping of Druggable Transcription Factor Interfaces in Pancreatic Cancer".

This project will use innovative molecular and cellular approaches to explore new ways of understanding and targeting pancreatic cancer. You will help build and screen genetically encoded peptide libraries in cancer cell models, with the aim of identifying molecules and mechanisms that influence cancer cell behaviour. The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience at the interface of molecular biology, cancer research and drug discovery.

You will develop and expand your practical skills in plasmid library generation and validation, mammalian cell culture, cell-based screening and proteomics. You will also contribute to experimental planning, data analysis, record keeping, preparation of figures and reports, and presentation of results. The post would particularly suit a researcher with practical experience in cancer cell culture or proteomics but is open to anyone with a strong drive to develop methodological expertise in these interdisciplinary techniques, a curiosity-driven approach to research, and a genuine interest in understanding pancreatic cancer and how it can be more effectively treated.

You will join a collaborative and supportive research team focused on developing new chemical and biological approaches to treat cancer. Training will be provided in relevant techniques, and you will be supported to develop increasing independence over the course of the project.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. This time can be used for activities that support your career development and personal growth, including workshops, training courses, mentoring, networking, conferences, public engagement, and preparation of future PhD/job applications.

We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You will hold a degree in biochemistry, natural sciences, pharmacology, chemistry or a related discipline. Some practical experience from your degree or other equivalent laboratory experience in standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing is desirable. You will have a good understanding of cell biology, with practical experience of cancer cell culture being highly beneficial.

Experience with the preparation of proteomics samples and subsequent data analysis would be highly advantageous but is not essential. We value reliability, care in laboratory practice and willingness to learn as much as formal experience. Excellent communication and organisational skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team, and enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques are essential.

This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term role.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're continually expanding our benefits package…