We are looking to recruit a motivated and experienced in vivo Research Assistant who has experience with drug administration, for an exciting project looking to test promising therapeutics in pre-clinical neuro-oncology models. This work will be undertaken at the state-of-the-art Biological Services Unit at the University of Plymouth.
Project Description:
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a hereditary tumour predisposition syndrome characterized by loss of the tumour suppressor protein Merlin, leading to the development of multiple nervous system tumours: schwannomas, meningiomas and ependymomas (1). Current treatment options for these tumours are limited to surgery and radiosurgery, which are not always fully effective and at times not possible. There is, therefore, an urgent need for new effective drug treatments for NF2 related tumours (2).
We have identified new potential therapeutic targets, namely AXL and MERTK receptors. We have shown that both receptors and their ligand Gas6 are strongly overexpressed in Merlin-negative schwannomas and Merlin-negative grade I meningiomas and contribute to increased proliferation and survival of tumour cells. We have successfully inhibited in vitro proliferation and survival of patient-derived tumour cells and cell lines with an AXL inhibitor and two MERTK inhibitors. We are now preparing to test these compounds in vivo using the clinically relevant schwannoma model (3).
You will help us to generate robust data, highlighting the efficacy of these drugs in vivo by assisting with drug administration, tumour sample collection and various assays to analyse therapeutic potential.
References: 1. Gutmann, Neurology.1997 Jul;49(1):267-70. 2. Blakeley, et al., Am J Med Genet A. 2012 Jan;158A(1):24-41.3. Gehlhausen, et al., Hum Mol Genet. 2015 Jan 1;24(1):1-8.
PI: Sylwia Ammoun: sylwia.ammoun@plymouth.ac.uk
Co-PI: Oliver Hanemann: oliver.hanemann@plymouth.ac.uk +44 1752 437418
Collaborators: David Parkinson: david.parkinson@plymouth.ac.uk +44 1752 583203
Laraba, Liyam: liyam.laraba@plymouth.ac.uk +44 1752 583203
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on the week commencing 26th September 2022. You will be notified whether you have been shortlisted or not.
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 1 year due to funding.
Flexible working options including job share will be considered.
We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.
The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups at the University of Plymouth, such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.
The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.
Job Description
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