Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Professor David Lewis 

Illuminating the impact of cancer immunometabolism and metabolic competition in driving immunotherapy response 

Salary: from £32,868 to £42,717 subject to experience, plus relocation allowance and visa costs if required.

Contract term: Fixed up to 6 years, subject to successful review at Year 3 

About us

The CRUK Scotland Institute where the lab is based is a world leading cancer research institute, situated in the vibrant city of Glasgow in Scotland and hosting approximately 60 postdoctoral researcher scientists at any one time. It has an excellent reputation for fundamental cancer research, including world-class metabolism studies and renowned in vivo modelling of tumour growth and metastasis.

Project outline

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatment, yet not all patients respond effectively. Successful ICI therapy relies on the pre-existing antitumour response of T cells, meaning that dysfunctional or metabolically impaired T cells can hinder immunotherapy susceptibility. The tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in this resistance, influenced by factors such as hypoxia, acidic pH, suppressive metabolites (e.g. lactate), and metabolic competition (e.g. glucose deprivation affecting T cell activation and expansion). Understanding the metabolic landscape of tumours and the corresponding lymphoid structures is therefore critical to developing effective combination therapies that can overcome these resistance mechanisms. 

Emerging research indicates that metabolic and immune imaging techniques, such as total-body positron emission tomography (PET), offer valuable insights into tissue-specific metabolic alterations, opening new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment. 

Hence, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team at the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow. Using cutting-edge total-body imaging, spatial biology and isotope-tracing methodology alongside state-of-the-art in vivo cancer modelling, this position will focus on immunometabolism in cancer, investigating how metabolic shifts in immune cells contribute to tumour progression and resistance to ICI therapy. 

For informal enquiries, please email David.Lewis@glasgow.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our overarching research ethos at the Institute is about excellence, honesty, openness, accountability and integrity. The diversity of our staff and students is also what makes the Institute such a vibrant place to work and advance discoveries in cancer research. Family friendly policies, our collaborative ethos, a focus on good mental health and well-being and opportunities for all help to create an enjoyable and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.

The Institute is also committed to increasing the number of female scientists at the postdoc level and beyond and encourages female applicants to apply. We have recently introduced a highly attractive maternity policy which provides 12-18 months support and funding for postdocs wishing to take time off to spend with their children amongst other family friendly policies 

Employee Benefits 

• Competitive salary
• 40.5 days annual leave including bank holidays (FTE)
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Free life assurance scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Additional maternity pay for 6 months at full salary
• Shared parental leave including up to 6 weeks paid at full salary
• Cycle to work scheme saving tax and NI on cycle purchase and spreading repayments over up to 12 months
• Access to employee benefit schemes with discounts on supermarkets, cinema, travel and much more.
• On-site secure parking 

All applications must be made via our website via the 'Apply' button above.

Closing Date Monday 26^th May 2025

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