Senior Research Associate

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team on an exciting project to test and develop a novel proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) the lab has developed and patented, in models of triple-negative breast cancer. 

The project is funded by a North West Cancer Research grant, awarded to Dr Andrew Fielding in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University, with co-investigators Professor Sam Butterworth and Professor Kaye Williams in the Division of Pharmacy & Optometry at The University of Manchester. This is a 21-month fixed-term position in the first instance, with a further 12-month extension agreed in principle with the funder.

You will work in parallel with our medicinal chemistry collaborators, the Butterworth group, firstly to test the potency of panels of modified PROTACs in terms of target degradation. The lead molecule will then be taken forward for mechanistic studies, including examining cell phenotypes and proteomic analysis, as well as testing efficacy across panels of cancer and normal cell lines. Initial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies will also be undertaken by a CRO at this stage. T

The final year of the project, for which funding is agreed in principle, will test the optimised molecule in an in vivo model of triple-negative breast cancer in collaboration with Professor Williams’ group.

Candidate requirements:

• A PhD awarded (or soon to be awarded) in a relevant field.
• A strong background in cell and molecular biology.
• An interest in targeted protein degradation and/or cancer drug discovery would be advantageous.
• Ability to plan and work independently and to take responsibility for driving the project forwards.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both for communicating with collaborators and the scientific community.

Our labs in the Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine constitute part of a vibrant cancer research grouping. Research is supported by cutting-edge facilities, including our Bioimaging Facility.

The division provides a friendly research environment and our faculty has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 and is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies. For example, we are willing to consider flexible working for this post. 

Lancaster University is in the top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025, where our Biomedical Sciences department has excelled even further, being ranked 3rd in the UK. The Results of REF2021 show that in our Faculty of Health and Medicine, 91% of research rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

Informal enquiries are welcome and encouraged. Please contact Dr Andrew Fielding (a.fielding1@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr Amanda Thomaz (a.thomaz@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Further details:

• Job Description
• Person Specification

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