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Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Ref. SC-CRUK1-Resist
Understanding and overcoming resistance to MEK1/2 inhibitors in tumour cells
Job Description
Tumour cells with RAS or BRAF mutations frequently adapt to be addicted to MEK1/2-ERK1/2
signalling making inhibitors of this pathway attractive anti-cancer therapeutics. Despite this
tumour cells can quickly develop acquired resistance to such drugs, limiting their clinical benefit.
Understanding mechanisms of acquired drug resistance is important for two reasons. First, it
may allow the development of rational drug combination strategies that allow resistance to be
delayed or overcome. Second, from a basic biology perspective, investigating mechanisms of
acquired resistance to targeted signal pathway inhibitors often uncovers new information about
key pathway control points and cross-talk with other pathways. Using novel and established
models this project will define novel mechanisms of acquired resistance to MEK1/2 inhibitors
and seek to develop strategies to delay or overcome it.
This position is funded by Cancer Research UK, includes collaborations with AstraZeneca and
the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and is a limited term contract with funding available for up
to 19 months.
For recent relevant references from the lab see:1. Wickenden JA et al (2008) Colorectal cancer cells with the BRAFV600E mutation are
addicted to the ERK1/2 pathway for growth factor-independent survival and repression of
BIM. Oncogene 27:7150-7161
2. Balmanno K et al (2009) Intrinsic resistance to the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 (ARRY142886) is associated with weak ERK1/2 signalling and strong PI3K signaling in
colorectal tumour cell lines. Int J Cancer 125: 2332-2341
3. Balmanno K & Cook SJ. (2009) Tumour cell survival signalling by the ERK1/2 pathway.
Cell Death Diff 16:368-377.
4. Little AS et al (2011) Up-regulation of the driving oncogene, KRAS or BRAF, drives
acquired resistance to MEK inhibitors in colorectal cancer cells. Science Signalling. 4
(166) ra17.
5. Little AS et al (2012) Tumour cell responses to MEK1/2 inhibitors – acquired resistance
and pathway remodeling. Biochem Soc Trans. 40:73-78
Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Ref. SC-CRUK1-Resist
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Knowledge
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PhD in biochemistry, cell biology or molecular biology
Proven track record of success in publishing results
Knowledge of cancer cell biology
Experience
 Experience in good laboratory practice
 Experience of assaying signal transduction
 Experience of assaying cell proliferation and apoptosis
 Experience in RNAi
 Experience in proteomics or microarrays
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Skills/Abilities
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Able to comprehend and communicate in the English language to
a level appropriate for the position
Ability to work independently
Good organisational skills
Troubleshooting skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Personal Characteristics
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Highly motivated researcher
Reliability
Ability to interact well within a team
Keen interest in cancer studies
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Special Requirements
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Able to work in a non-smoking environment
Essential
The Babraham Institute
Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Ref: SC-CRUK1-LTC
INFORMATION ON TERMS & BENEFITS
The following is for information only and is not contractual statement of terms and conditions.
Pay Grade
BI 6
Salary
£29,557 to £32,840 per annum
Working Hours
37 hours per week
Holiday Entitlement
25 days p.a.
Public Holidays & Privilege Days
10½ days
Length of Contract
Funding available up to 19 months.
Pension Scheme
Babraham Institute is able to offer membership of a Group
Personal Pension Scheme. You will be auto enrolled into the
pension scheme from commencement of employment.
Further details will be provided on your first day. The
Institute does not make contributions to other personal
pension schemes.
Restaurant Facilities
The Refectory serves hot meals and snacks and the Forum
provides a selection of snacks and hot and cold beverages for
coffee and tea breaks.
Onsite Accommodation
The Institute has a number of hostels, flats and houses which
can be rented. (There is currently a waiting list for all types of
accommodation.)
Social
Sports & Social Club
Nursery
Nursery and Holidays Playscheme on site. (Availability of
places is dependent on demand.)
Car Parking
There is free car parking in the Institute Car Park. The Institute
is committed to the implementation of a commuting strategy to
try and reduce the growth in numbers of cars used to travel to
work.
Any offer of employment will be subject to security screening and may be subject to health
screening. Any offer may also be subject to a general medical.