Research Fellow - Cancer Sciences

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral research fellow to join a team investigating the role of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) in the tumour microenvironment . The project is funded through the Cancer Research UK/Ono Pharma/LifeArc Immunotherapy Alliance and aims to identify novel targets that inhibit CAF function for future drug development.

CAF-rich tumours are usually aggressive, resistant to treatment and associated with poor survival. Our recent work showed that CAF suppress response to immunotherapy by excluding CD8+ T-cells from tumours. Given that CAF also promote many other hallmarks of malignancy, targeting these cells could have significant therapeutic benefit.

Essential requirements for this post include a PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in cell biology, immunology or related fields. The lab uses a broad range of techniques to study CAF biology in human and mouse tumours, including functional cell and molecular biology approaches, in vivo immunotherapy models, 3D tumour culture and single cell RNA sequencing. The applicant should have recent experience in some or all of these techniques, and candidates with previous experience in fibroblast biology are particularly encouraged to apply.

The research will be based in the Experimental Pathology Group within the Cancer Sciences Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, and this full-time post is available from 1st Oct 2020. The benefits package for this post includes 30 days leave plus 6 University closure days and flexible working hours.

Informal enquiries about this post, including arrangements to visit the Unit, can be made to Professor Gareth Thomas email g.thomas@soton.ac.uk .

Funding for this post is available until 30/09/2022 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of further funding.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions 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 successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.