Transcriptional control in the paediatric cancer neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a devastating paediatric cancer of the peripheral nervous system that causes 15% of all children’s cancer deaths in the UK each year. Neuroblastoma arises from neuroblasts that fail to complete their normal developmental programme but are instead locked in a state of enhanced proliferation and inhibited differentiation.A goal of the Philpott lab is to exploit an understanding of normal neuroblast developmental control to restart differentiation in neuroblastoma cells by targeting a key transcriptional network both genetically and with drugs.

We are looking for a post-doctoral scientist to join our collaborative research team to probe the molecular regulation of transcriptional networks that control proliferation versus differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. The successful candidate will use genome-wide techniques coupled with molecular analysis to interrogate the transcriptional and epigenetic control of gene pathways regulating proliferation versus differentiation in neuroblastoma cells, with the aim of developing new therapeutic approaches for this terrible disease.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent experience, considerable experience in stem cell biology, epigenetics, molecular biology, developmental biology or a similar field, and a proven track record in scientific publication. Prior experience in mammalian cell culture is essential. Experience of epigenetics and/or transcriptional regulation are essential, while experience of genome-wide transcriptional analysis and/or CRISPR methods would be an advantage.

Applicants must display an ability to undertake project management, work within a multi-disciplinary team environment, have good presentation and communication skills and the ability to contribute to an environment supporting researchers at all stages of their careers.

Our group is housed in the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, a world-leading centre for stem cell research.