ABOUT US

The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the World’s leading universities. The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. In particular, it fosters links between basic cancer researchers across biomedicine and with the clinical activities of our four partner hospital trusts, known as UCL Partners (University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), as well as the London School of Pharmacy and Cancer Research UK. The Institute has greater clinical links than any comparable centre in the UK, creating a unique opportunity for significant impact on the delivery of clinical service to cancer patients.
The Cancer Institute includes the Cancer Research UK and UCL Cancer Trials Centre which is one of the largest cancer trials centres in the UK conducting multi-centre national and international phase III trials, feasibility studies and early phase I and II studies. Also embedded within the UCL Cancer Institute is the CRUK City of London Centre, a world class hub for cancer biotherapeutics which fosters collaboration between researchers at University College London, King’s College London, Barts Cancer Institute (Queen Mary University of London), and The Francis Crick Institute.
Furthermore, the Institute offers educational programmes that reflect the depth and breadth of research expertise that include BSc Cancer Biomedicine, MSci Cancer Biomedicine, iBSc Oncology, MSc Cancer and PhD studies. Further Information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website UCL Cancer Institute.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr Pablo Rodriguez-Viciana at the UCL Cancer Institute. Our lab investigates how RAS family GTPases regulate diverse cellular processes, with a particular focus on the RAS–MEK–ERK pathway and its downstream effectors.
Using molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and in vivo models, we aim to characterise novel signalling mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of human cancers. A current priority is the study of SHOC2 as a potential treatment target and pathway modulator. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer biology research within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.
The successful candidate will contribute to investigating SHOC2 as a novel therapeutic target in RAS‑driven cancers. A major component of this role will involve in vivo work using mouse models. Applicants without a Personal Licence (PIL) will be required to obtain one soon after appointment, with full training and support provided.
Alongside in vivo research, the postholder will support day-to-day laboratory operations and contribute to experimental projects involving molecular biology and cell culture. Responsibilities will include optimising and validating protocols, performing experiments, and maintaining accurate research records. The candidate will also assist with training new lab members, documenting laboratory protocols, and ensuring compliance with safety and ethical standards, including contributing to safety inductions and risk assessments. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in advancing translational cancer research within a highly collaborative team. The primary supervisor will be Dr Pablo Rodriguez-Viciana.

THIS ROLE DOES NOT MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A SKILLED WORKER VISA CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP UNDER UK VISAS AND IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION. THEREFORE, UCL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SPONSOR INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK TO CARRY OUT THIS ROLE.

Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the ‘Why you have applied for this role’ field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)
The position is available from October 2025 for a period of 15 months. (Grade 6).
Interviews will be held on-site on the 12th and 15th of September.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insuranc