Research Associate (Immunity and Senescence)(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 the immune system. 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 September 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 immunology, cancer biology, and/or cell senescence with animal models and/or clinical samples. Experience in immune system profiles (flow cytometry/CyTOF analyses) is essential. Skills in spatial multiplexed imaging, multiomics analyses, generation of organoids and/or computational skills will be evaluated positively. International training and/or interconnections with the research industry are desirable. Original publications in peer reviewed journal/s will be positively considered.

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 dm742@cam.ac.uk.

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 basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the Apply button above.

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

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