Research Fellow (Research Scientist)

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,671

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Background

Organoid models are “mini avatars” of cancer whereby we can grow faithful 3D models of disease by appropriately manipulating the stem cell microenvironment using growth factors, in a 3D matrix. They provide a high-fidelity model of cancer, but can also be combined with other cells, such as immune cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells for a complete model of cancer.

The Surgical Research Group (led by Professor Andrew Beggs) has been funded by Immunocore to use organoids models and Patient­ derived explants or tumour fragments (PDE/PDTFs) to comprehensively assess the efficacy of the ImmTAC technology in treating colorectal and other cancers as specified offering valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

Methodology: We will be expanding our organoid derivation labs with this funding. We operate in dedicated high spec tissue culture space with access to high content microscopy, drug screening and irradiation. 

We are looking for scientists as excited by the potential of this technology as we are, and who want to work as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of scientists and clinicians to use organoid models of cancer to improve patient care and make new scientific discoveries. 

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a PhD (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Candidates with experience in organoid culture and/or Patient­ derived explants or tumour fragments preferred, but candidates with extensive experience of 2D cell culture will also be considered
• Ideally, experience of PBMC culture and derivation of immune cell subpopulations, and experience in immunology experiments especially desirable. 
• Experience of flow cytometry will be an advantage
• Experience of CRISPR/Cas9 methodologies
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Andrew Beggs, email: A.Beggs@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 30/04/2025

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