Postdoctoral Researcher in Cancer Immune Regulation

Contract type: Fixed term for 24 months with the possibility of extension

Hours: Full-time

About the role and project

Prostate cancer is immunologically cold, which means that the body’s own immune system fails to detect and eradicate the cancer cells. We have discovered that drug-induced defects in transcription elongation activate immunogenic signalling in prostate cancer cells. In particular, this can be achieved by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) using compounds already assessed in clinical trials against other cancers.

Our main aim is to develop CDK9 inhibitor-based treatment against prostate cancer that leads to durable response. This is achieved through three sub-aims:-

1. Explain how prostate cancer cells become resistant to CDK9 inhibition to identify predictors of resistance.
2. Characterise CDK9 inhibitor-induced remodelling of tumor and tumor microenvironment to identify the right combinatorial treatment strategy.
3. Validate 1-3 combinatorial treatment strategies and explain how the best one works.

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher who will be involved in every aspect of the project taking on responsibility for setting up and applying the necessary molecular biology tools. Experiments will be performed in cell line models, organoids and in vivo models. Past experience of working with in vivo models to study changes in the tumour micro-environment is highly desirable. You will be working as part of our multidisciplinary/multi-group team. The project is co-led by Professor Ian Mills (Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS)) and Associate Professor Harri Itkonen (University of Oslo and University of Helsinki), and in addition you will work closely with collaborating groups led by Professor Eileen Parkes (Oncology) and Professor Fadi Issa (NDS) focussing on in vivo responses.

About you

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in molecular biology, oncology, immunology, or a related biomedical science field. You will be experienced in cellular and molecular biology techniques in mammalian cells and you have worked with mouse models of cancer. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to communicate results clearly in presentations, manuscripts, and grant reports.

This full-time position is available for a 24-month period in the first instance.

Application Process

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Professor Ian Mills: ian.mills@nds.ox.ac.uk and Associate Professor Harri Itkonen: harri.itkonen@helsinki.fi

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement of maximally two pages setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae that includes potential peer reviewed publications, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA949 on all correspondence. 

Only applications received before noon on the 22nd January 2025 can be considered.

Interviews are in the first instance scheduled for the afternoon of 7th February 2025.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

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