Research Fellow in Cancer Cell Biology

Kinase mutations drive many cancers through deregulated activity, and inhibitors of these kinases have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, patients treated with kinase inhibitors inevitably relapse due to drug resistance mechanisms such as mutations that affect the ATP binding site. Many oncogenic kinase mutations are chromosomal rearrangements that generate fusions between kinases and other proteins, such as EML4-ALK. There are distinct classes of EML4-ALK variants and non-small cell lung cancer patients with the longer forms of the fusion protein respond better to treatment.

We aim to understand the differences in patient outcomes at a molecular and cellular level, and to identify new ways to target the EML4-ALK oncoprotein. This will enable us to develop new therapeutic approaches that are more effective on the shorter form of EML4-ALK and to overcome drug resistance. You will explore the differences between the signaling networks and cellular localization of the variants, and will identify how this governs their differential response to chemical inhibitors. Approaches will include the use of state-of-the-art cell imaging and mass spectrometry to complement our ongoing research using structural biology, biochemistry and biotechnology. You will work closely with clinical cancer biologists here in Leeds and will have opportunities to travel and work with our international collaborators.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences gained a Bronze award in 2014 and submitted an application for a Silver award in April 2017.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information. http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/equality-and-diversity/athena-swan/

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Richard Bayliss, Professor of Molecular Medicine

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 9919, email: r.w.bayliss@leeds.ac.uk