Research Associate (Senescence, Tumour Microenvironment and Ageing) (Fixed Term)

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to better understand the role of cellular senescence as part of the lung tumour microenvironment and the interplay with ageing. The postdoc will be based in the laboratory of Dr Daniel Munoz-Espin, Group Leader in the Department of Oncology (Early Cancer Institute) at University of Cambridge and co-Director of the Thoracic Cancer Programme. This post funded by a Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Programme Foundation Award is available from February 2024.

Dr Munoz-Espin's research programme aims to understand the mechanisms and processes that contribute to lung cancer initiation and progression, and how to use this knowledge for the development of more efficient therapeutic strategies in precision medicine. We are looking for highly motivated postdocs to explore the impact of a senescent microenvironment and the modulation of the immune system in lung carcinogenesis. Additionally, we will investigate dynamic changes of this process during natural ageing. Candidates must have a PhD in the biological/biomedical sciences, and significant experience working in cancer biology, immunology and/or cell senescence with animal models and clinical samples. Skills in managing mouse models and procedures is essential for this post. Experience in spatial multiplexed imaging, multiomics analyses, and/or generation of organoids will be evaluated positively. International training and/or interconnections with the research industry are desirable.

The successful applicant will have active access to cellular cancer models, genetically-engineered animal models of lung cancer and inducible ablation of senescence, and also to primary cells from human tissue samples in collaboration with Royal Papworth Hospital and Cambridge University Hospitals. These studies will enable us to dissect the role of the tumour microenvironment in cancer and identify new therapeutic targets that will be further prioritised to develop novel treatment modalities for tumour eradication. The ultimate goal is the translation of our novel tools into early-phase clinical trials, and our experimental designs are optimised to facilitate such transition. The laboratory of Dr Munoz-Espin (https://www.munoz-espinlab.com ) is located at the Early Cancer Institute (ECI) (https://www.earlycancer.cam.ac.uk ) at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus of the CRUK Cambridge Centre. Our location at Cambridge Biomedical Campus affords our members ready access to state-of-the-art research equipment, clinical facilities, and the opportunity to forge collaborations with world-class laboratory scientists and clinicians.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Munoz-Espin at [email protected] .

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2026 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.

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Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 3rd January 2024

Date of interview: W/C 15th January or W/C 22nd January 2024

Please quote reference RD39556 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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