Research Associate

King's College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

King's College London seeks a postdoctoral researcher to join the Systems Cancer Immunology group at Guy's Campus. Working under Professor Shahram Kordasti, you will explore inflammation and immune regulation in myelodysplastic neoplasms and myeloproliferative neoplasms, using cutting-edge technologies to study T cell interactions with malignant cells.

The role requires data analysis, manuscript preparation, and contributions to a translational program with clinical and laboratory colleagues.

Qualifications

• PhD qualified in relevant subject area.
• Experience in cancer research/ cancer immunology.
• Cell culture experience and previous work with primary patient samples.
• Good knowledge of human immunology.
• Experience with flowcytometry, basic imaging and data analysis.
• Experience with molecular techniques such as DNA, RNA extraction, PCR etc.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the role of inflammation and immune dysregulation in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN).
• Study immune responses within the bone marrow microenvironment and interactions between T cells and malignant myeloid progenitor cells.
• Analyse and interpret complex datasets, present findings at national/international meetings, and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Collaborate closely with clinical and laboratory colleagues to deliver high-quality, reproducible research.
• Contribute to the translational research programme and support students and junior researchers.

Skills

Cancer immunology

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Imaging

Data analysis

Molecular techniques

DNA extraction

RNA extraction

PCR

Education

PhD in relevant subject area

Tools

R

FlowJo

Job description

About Us

King's College London is one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical innovation. This role is based within the Precision & Population Oncology Department, a vibrant and multidisciplinary environment that fosters cutting‑edge research and world‑class clinical training.

The post will be embedded within the Systems Cancer Immunology group and haemato‑oncology at GSTT which is dedicated to advancing our understanding of cancer immunology through translational research and clinical collaboration. Our team works at the interface of laboratory science and patient care, with a strong focus on developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies and improving outcomes for patients through clinical trials and biomarker‑driven research.

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Systems Cancer Immunology research group at King's College London, based at Guy's Campus. Working under the supervision of Professor Shahram Kordasti, the postholder will join a dynamic multidisciplinary team combining clinical haematology, immunology, and translational cancer research.

The post will focus on investigating the role of inflammation and immune dysregulation in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN). Using advanced experimental approaches and cutting edge technologies, the successful candidate will study immune responses within the bone marrow microenvironment, with particular emphasis on the interaction between T cells and malignant myeloid progenitor cells. The role will also explore the impact of different classes of treatments on these interactions and on broader inflammatory pathways, with the aim of improving understanding of disease biology, progression, and treatment response.

The successful candidate will contribute to a broader translational research programme within the group and work closely with clinical and laboratory colleagues to deliver high quality, reproducible research. They will be expected to analyse and interpret complex datasets, present findings at national and international meetings, prepare manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the wider scientific activities of the group, including collaborative research development and support for students and junior researchers.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in translational immunology and myeloid malignancies within a highly collaborative academic environment at King's College London.

This is a full time and you will be offered an fixed term contract for 12 months.

Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified in relevant subject area
2. Experience in cancer research/ cancer immunology
3. Cell culture experience and previous work with primary patient samples
4. Good knowledge of human immunology
5. Experience with flowcytometry, basic imaging and data analysis
6. Experience with molecular techniques such as DNA, RNA extraction, PCR etc

Desirable criteria

1. Understanding and experience in myeloid malignancies research.
2. Familiar with cell modification techniques.
3. Familiar with in-vitro functional assays.
4. Familiar with basic bioinformatic skills such as R

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance.