Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow

Cancer Sciences

Location:  

Southampton General Hospital

Salary:  

£32,348 to £44,737
per annum

Full Time Fixed Term until 31/12/2025

Closing Date:  

Thursday 03 November 2022

Interview Date:  

To be confirmed

Reference:  

2013422CM

About the Roles

2 x Research Fellows / Senior Research Fellows 

Exciting opportunity to appoint 2 Research Fellows or Senior Research Fellows to undertake research investigations in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Principal Investigators (PIs) Prof Gareth Thomas and Dr Christopher Hanley on the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts in head & neck cancer. The research will be based in the School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton.

About You

Essential requirements include a PhD, or to be near completion, in a relevant biological subject, appropriate publication records and a strong drive for research work. Significant research laboratory experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques are essential. Experience in the field of cancer biology, in vivo work and/or analysis of single cell datasets would be desirable. A demonstrated ability to communicate well, work within a team and maintain good laboratory records are also essential. Willingness to work flexibly to achieve project demands will be needed.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

This CRUK-funded programme will use a multidisciplinary approach to dissect the role of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in head & neck cancer (HNSCC), using complementary analysis of human tissue samples and murine models. This work will characterise CAF subgroups, investigating their immunological functions and identifying novel strategies for targeting CAF as part of cancer therapy (eg. K Ford et al., Cancer Research 2020 [most cited Cancer Research paper 2020/21]; https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=741916 ). The candidate will gain experience in fibroblast biology, including analysis of HNSCC models in vitro and in vivo, functional tumour immunology and single cell sequencing. Active research themes in the lab include characterising CAF phenotypes in human tumours using single cell sequencing, studying CAF interactions with immune cells and identifying novel strategies for therapeutic targeting of CAF-containing cancers.   We enjoy close links with University Hospital Southampton and have a strong translational focus with excellent prospects for developing new therapies (eg. NCT05323656) and making a significant contribution to cancer treatment. The candidate will enjoy a vibrant multidisciplinary environment, take advantage of our ongoing collaborations with multiple industry collaborators and be provided with significant opportunities for excellent career development.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum, and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and campus facilities.

The posts are based in the School of Cancer Sciences, University Hospital Southampton. They are full time (35 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 36 months initially with the possibility of extending for a further 24 months. The expected start date is from 1st January 2023 onwards. Depending on experience, the positions will be appointed in the range of £32,348 – 44,737 per annum at Research Fellow Grade 4 or Senior Research Fellow Grade 5, 

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Gareth Thomas at g.thomas@soton.ac.uk   +44 (0) 7845 361124 and/or Chris Hanley at C.J.Hanley@soton.ac.uk  +44 (0) 7872 188277

 Application Procedure 

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk . The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Janice Poon (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 2013422CM on all correspondence.

*Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Further details:

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.