Jobs in London, United Kingdom

Salary: This role is eligible for ICR Sponsorship. Support will be provided for costs associated with Visa application. If you are considering relocating to the UK, further information can be found here.

Duration of Contract: Fixed term for 3 years

Hours per week: 35 hours per week (Full Time)

Location: Sutton

Closing Date: 20/10/2025

Under the guidance of Dr Astero Klampatsa, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to lead a research project targeting the mesothelioma solid tumour microenvironment with CAR-T cell therapy. The successful candidate will join the Thoracic Oncology & Immunotherapy Group, led by Dr Klampatsa, which works on development of CAR-T cell strategies for thoracic malignancies, as well as immunology-based projects in mesothelioma. Key responsibilities of the successful candidate include: a) to design and engineer novel CAR constructs using viral and non-viral gene delivery methods, b) undertake the preclinical testing of the developed CAR-T cell therapies in vitro and in vivo in mesothelioma mouse models via an array of functional assays, flow cytometry, PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting, c) lead the analysis of experimental data and interpretation of results, d) assume some lab management duties.

The successful candidate must have:

• Educational Background: A Ph.D. in Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field is required. Candidates who are nearing completion of their PhD may apply, but confirmation on awarded PhD is required within 6 months of employment.
• Technical Expertise:
• Proficiency in primary T cell isolation, culture, and genetic modification.
• Prior experience with viral transgene delivery.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques.
• Hands-on experience with multicolour flow cytometry.
• Demonstrated experience with in vitro functional assays.
• Prior experience with in vivo models.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven track record of troubleshooting experiments.
• Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely.

• Postdoctoral or industry experience in a CAR-T cell therapy or immuno-oncology/immunology setting.
• Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for data analysis.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 7 years as PDTF at the ICR, providing total postdoctoral experience (including previous employment at this level elsewhere) does not exceed 7 years.

For general information on Postdocs at The ICR, more information can be found here.

The Division of Cancer Therapeutics brings together a wide variety of disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, pharmacology, tumour modelling, computational and structural biology, and medicinal chemistry, in order to select promising drug targets, design effective prototype drugs and biomarkers, and develop strategies to counter drug resistance. Find more information here: https://www.icr.ac.uk/research-and-discoveries/icr-divisions/cancer-therapeutics

• A dynamic and supportive research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities
• Collaboration with leading researchers in the field
• Competitive salary and pension

We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr Astero Klampatsa via Email: [email protected]

Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.

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The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back - if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.