Research Fellow in Experimental Cancer Medicine

Full-Time Fixed-Term until 31/03/2028

Cancer Research UK and the National Institutes of Health Research core funds the Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre (ECMC) to provide infrastructure for the delivery of early phase cancer trials & early cancer detection studies (https://www.ecmcnetwork.org.uk/centres/southampton). Key to the success of these trials is the delivery of high-quality translational endpoints so that we may learn as much as possible from each patient participating in studies.  

The Southampton ECMC has a broad and expanding portfolio of novel studies across a range of cancers & serves both adult and paediatric populations. In collaboration with the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and the Southampton Centre for Cancer Immunology we are building upon this base and are looking for an enthusiastic translational scientist to take a key role in ECMC as we investigate new therapies for cancer. This role we help integrate genomic endpoints into clinical studies

The post will be based in the Wessex Investigational Sciences Hub (WISH) laboratory, specifically designed to host regulated clinical trial work within all fields of experimental cancer. Thi is situated within the Southampton General Hospital site. This job role falls within the remit of the School of Cancer Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine which provides a stimulating working environment for more than 150 scientists, clinicians and associated staff, investigating cancer and its treatment.

The post holder will work  to support a portfolio of early phase trials working to oversee the delivery of a range of translational clinical trial endpoints. This will involve the development and validation of new assays as well as running existing assays to GCP for laboratories standards, such assays form key endpoints for these trials. There will be a particular focus on genomic analysis. Study samples may be received from many sites across the UK. This post will also be responsible for co-ordinating the receipt, analysis and reporting of results from these samples. The post holder will have close interactions with the physicians leading studies and will provide guidance to the Trial Management Groups. The Southampton ECMC is part of a national network (www.ecmcnetwork.org.uk). The post holder will be expected to engage with other ECMC sites and participate in network wide activities in order to forward the strategic aims of both our local ECMC and the network as a whole.

You should have significant relevant research experience and be qualified to PhD level (or equivalent) in a biological sciences. It is desirable to have previous research experience in the field of cancer genomics/molecular biology.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, a good team player with excellent communication skills, capable of delivering research tasks timely and with accuracy. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes post-docs, PhD students, clinicians, and also junior staff that you will supervise. Experience of working with clinical samples and a good laboratory practice framework is essential.

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment until March 2028.

Applications 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 completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please email:

Adam Coleman, ECMC Operations Lead (A.R.Coleman@southampton.ac.uk) or

Prof Andrew Davies, ECMC Director (a.davies@southampton.ac.uk)

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