King’s College London is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities, committed to excellence across disciplines and to translating scientific discoveries into real-world health innovations. The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine (FoLSM) brings together outstanding researchers and clinicians to address some of the most pressing biomedical challenges of our time. Within FoLSM, the School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary research into molecular mechanisms of disease, therapeutic discovery, and patient-centred outcomes. 

 

The Leukaemia and Stem Cell Biology Group, led by Professor Eric C.W. So, is an internationally recognised research team focused on understanding the molecular and cellular basis of normal haematopoiesis and its malignant transformation into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Our research integrates cutting-edge studies in transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, DNA damage response (DDR), and replication stress to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that drive leukaemia initiation, progression and treatment resistance. We collaborate across King’s Health Partners, with strategic funding from Cancer Research UK, National Institute of Health (NIH), USA, Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Switzerland, Research Grant Council, Hong Kong, to drive innovation from basic discovery through to translational impact. 

 

We are seeking two motivated and highly skilled Research Associates to support and accelerate research projects within the Leukaemia and Stem Cell Biology Group. This post will play a key role in advancing our experimental programmes that investigate the interplay between epigenetic gene regulation, DNA damage response and replication stress in the context of normal and malignant haematopoietic stem cells.

 

The purpose of this role is to design, execute, and drive forward research projects that will lead to high-impact publications and competitive grant applications. You will work closely with Professor So and senior group members to lead and coordinate multiple strands of research, particularly focusing on novel crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and the DDR/replication stress pathways that regulate stem cell function and leukemogenesis. A significant component of the work will involve functional dissection of key oncogenic transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, and defining their roles in leukaemic transformation and maintenance.

 

The successful candidate is expected to have a strong background and peer-reviewed publication record in areas such as DNA damage and repair, DNA replication, epigenetic gene regulation, and cancer biology. Over the 18-month contract, you will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings at international conferences. This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic research environment at the forefront of blood cancer research and to contribute meaningfully to our understanding of fundamental mechanisms underlying leukaemia and stem cell biology.

 

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 18 months.

 

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.