Research Fellow (Research Scientist) - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 105616 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job description

Position Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

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

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 30th April 2025

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 organoid 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.

Role Summary

• You will take a lead role in the derivation and propagation of organoid models including organoid co-culture reporting to the principal organoid scientist and the PI (A Beggs)
• You will plan and carry out associated experiments including but not limited to: T-cell/B-cell/PBMC co-culture, drug/radiation screening, CRISPR/Cas9
• There will be an opportunity to pursue your own project, within the limits of the assigned work, allowing personal development and the opportunity to work towards a fellowship application
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• 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
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Professor Andrew Beggs, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.