Research Fellow in Experimental Cancer Medicine

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. 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 agent studies across a range of cancers. In collaboration with the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and the new 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.

The post will be based in the Wessex Investigational Sciences Hub (WISH) laboratory, a newly formed unit specifically designed to host regulated clinical trial work within all fields of experimental cancer medicines (including cancer immunotherapy), Nutrition, Respiratory disease, and Stratified/personalised medicine, and situated within the Southampton General Hospital site. This job role falls within the remit of the Cancer Sciences Unit in the Faculty of Medicine which provides a stimulating working environment for more than 100 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. Study samples may be received from University Hospital Southampton or other 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. 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 (http://www.ecmcnetwork.org.uk/)

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

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.

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 may help supervise.  Experience of working with clinical samples and a good laboratory practice framework is essential.

This post will be primarily based within the state-of-the-art WISH laboratories at Southampton General Hospital campus, occupying modern, well-equipped, purpose built laboratories, with support from clinical and laboratory based senior colleagues.

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment until March 2022.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please email Dr Andrew Davies (a.davies@southampton.ac.uk)

The Faculty of Medicine holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. The Faculty recognises that applicants may seek flexible working patterns which will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For further information including key benefits designed to help maintain and support employees' well-being and work-life balance, please see our working with us website pages.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.