Research Assistant - Molecular Basis of Cancer

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious research assistant to join the group of Professor Rami Aqeilan at the Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI).

The CCRI is a newly founded not-for-profit organization based in Nicosia, Cyprus that aspires to become a world-class interdisciplinary research institute operating within a network of leading clinical and academic partners, namely the University of Cyprus (UCY), the Karaiskakio Foundation (KF) and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre (BOCOC). The CCRI promotes excellence in the field of cancer research and in the development and utilisation of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with the aim of improving the survival and quality of life of patients with cancer. Our mission is to promote high calibre cancer research in Cyprus and to breed the next generation of leading cancer researchers.

Reports To:

The post holder will report to Professor Rami Aqeilan (Group Leader)

Job Overview:

The successful applicant will carry out scientific research in the field of Molecular Basis of Cancer Research under Professor Aqeilan’s supervision.

Professor Rami Aqeilan is a Group Leader at the CCRI. His research interests mostly lie in studying genomic instability and DNA damage response. A particular interest is mapping the breakome of cancer cells, dissecting the role of various oncogenes in inducing replication stress, and translating these findings into possible therapeutic strategies to treat cancer. Professor Aqeilan and his teams are working at the forefront of cancer research.

Professor Aqeilan’s CCRI team will interact closely, hold joint science meetings, and have reciprocal research placements with other research teams, as required by individual projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the laboratory’s day-to-day activities, projects, meetings, and procedures.
• Perform experiments as required by the Group Leader.
• Keep appropriate experimental records and documentation.
• Participate in the generation of scientific reports.
• Hold regular meetings with the Postdoctoral Scientists of the team and with the Group Leader to present & analyse results.
• Procure and maintain stocks of experimental reagents/materials and keep a lab inventory.
• Operate and maintain equipment and instruments.
• Work closely with other CCRI scientists to conduct collaborative research, share ideas and find solutions to scientific problems.
  

  Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Research, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a related field will be considered an advantage.

Specialist knowledge and skills:

Essential

• Research laboratory experience in a relevant field.
• Good understanding of the biology of normal and malignant cells.
• Excellent aseptic tissue/cell culture technique.
• Hands on experience in RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and Western Blotting techniques.
• Knowledge for the preparation of essential laboratory buffers.
• Knowledge of immunocytochemistry.

Desirable

• Expertise in genetic screening will be an asset.
• DNA isolation from bacterial cultures.
• Introduction of nucleic acids into mammalian cells using transfection methods.
• Knowledge of animal handling and working with mice.
• Bioinformatics skills are highly preferred.

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, adaptability, dedication, and hard-working ethos.
• Ability to think critically, work independently and communicate ideas.
• Ability to work in a team and value others.
  

Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in Greek will be an advantage.

Employment Type:

Fixed Term Contract for 4 – 6 years (4 + 2 years after successful evaluation) with possibility of further extension.

Application Procedure:

All applicants should:

1. Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) either as a URL link or upload a pdf
2. Submit a Cover letter in the form provided space
3. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit contact details for the provision of References.