Research Assistant at Newcastle University

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

The Role

We are seeking a motivated Research fellow to join our group of investigators (Lako, Hardcastle and Veal) at Bioscience Institute to discover new treatments for Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the commonest childhood cancer affecting the eye. Although treatable, it commonly results in blindness and is associated with cancers elsewhere in the body. Basic treatments involve eye removal, cryotherapy (use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue), laser therapy, chemotherapy (use of drugs) or radiotherapy (application of high energy X-rays or particles). These result in hair loss, weight loss, kidney damage and hearing impairment, hence there is a clear need for new drugs with fewer side effects. If the disease has spread from the eye to tissues such as the brain, the outcome is often fatal even with intensive treatment. To improve Rb outcome on a global scale, it is essential that we develop treatment options that are accessible worldwide, at low cost and with easy transport and storage capabilities.

In this proposal, we have used the latest molecular technologies to learn which genes are expressed specifically in Rb tumour cells. This has allowed us to identify triggers that lead to the formation of tumours and to identify drugs that can target these specifically. In parallel in the last four years, we have developed a lab model of Rb, which mimics in detail the cell proliferation leading to formation of tumours. We now aim to test the drug candidates we have identified on this model to check how effective they are at destroying cancerous cells. The drug candidates that show anti-tumour activity will be further assessed to see if they can reach the retina via blood circulation and how long they can act in the retina. We have in place a multidisciplinary team with expertise in stem cell biology and retinal disease, treatment of Rb, drug discovery and pharmacokinetics, placing us in a unique position to revolutionize Rb treatment.

This project is funded by the Little Princess Trust and follows from our recent work on generating Rb organoid model (PMID: 35325233) and chemotherapy drug screens in RPE cells (PMID: 37331647).

A scientific background on cell culture and differentiation will be essential and applicants with record of accomplishment and expertise in stem or cancer biology are preferred.

The post-holder will work under the direction of all three investigators from 1st September 2023 fulltime until 31st March 2025.

For Informal enquiries please contact Professor Linda Lako (majlinda.lako@ncl.ac.uk).

As part of our commitment to career development for research staff, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.