Postdoctoral Fellow – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory

Job title:

Postdoctoral Fellow – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory

Company

Francis Crick Institute

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability LaboratoryReporting to: Charles Swanton, Principal InvestigatorContact term: This is a full-time 4 years position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.The Research GroupThe Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability lab are studying how cancers evolve in the body to spread and become resistant to therapy and finding new ways to treat them more effectively.In recent years it has become clear that every tumour is made up of many different groups of cancer cells, each with their own unique genetic makeup but all related to each other. Some groups of tumour cells develop resistance to treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy, meaning that when the cancer comes back it is harder to treat.This diversity, known as heterogeneity, occurs through evolutionary processes at work inside the tumour as the cells pick up DNA changes (mutations or chromosomal rearrangements) that allow them to respond and adapt to changes in the environment around them.The ProjectLung cancer remains one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide, demanding innovative research to address its complexities and challenges. To this end, our research presents two distinct yet intertwined project directions for a postdoc candidate. We are seeking applications from candidates with a broad range of competencies.The first research direction investigates the role of non-mutagenic carcinogens in lung cancer initiation. Recent studies have brought to light the fact that most carcinogens do not solely rely on DNA mutations to drive cancer development. Our own research has specifically revealed how airborne particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) contributes to lung cancer in never-smokers, through an inflammatory axis. It is imperative to understand whether other environmental carcinogens might similarly induce inflammation that facilitates tumorigenesis in the lungs and across other organs. By identifying common inflammatory pathways across different tissues, we aspire to identify actionable targets within these pathways suitable for therapeutic intervention to prevent the onset of cancer.The second research direction focuses on the impact of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)-the age-related acquisition of somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells-on lung cancer progression. CHIP has been implicated in systemic inflammation and heightened cancer risk, yet its role in shaping the tumor microenvironment, promoting metastatic spread, or accelerating disease progression remains poorly defined.Together, these research questions will help unravel the mechanisms by which environmental carcinogens and systemic factors drive malignant transformation and cancer progression in the lung and other tissues.The postholder will be responsible for:Working within the multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, bioinformaticians and bench scientists in the Swanton lab, and collaborating with groups at the Francis Crick Institute and beyond, including academic and industry partnersDriving the project forward using relevant experimental and/or computational approachesKeeping up to date with the relevant literature in the field of cancer biologyAttending and reporting research results at regular group meetingsContributing to the dissemination of scientific results by means of writing papers for publication and presenting orally and in poster form at national and international meetingsPostdoctoral Fellows will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.Key experience and competenciesThe post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:Bold; Imaginative; Open; Dynamic; CollegialEssentialPhD, or in the final stages of PhD completion in cancer biology / cancer immunology / lung stem cell biology or other relevant disciplineGood knowledge and experience in cancer biology / cancer immunology / myeloid inflammation / lung stem cell biologyAnimal work experienceTechnical expertise in mouse models of cancer, functional in vitro assays and co-cultures tissue histology and flow cytometry approachesTrack record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journalsEvidence of data presentation at scientific meetingsExcellent organisational and communication skillsAbility to work independently and within a teamDesirableExperience in organoid cultureExperience in performing experiments using primary human cells and tissuesExperience in generating complex transgenic mouse modelsExperience in integrative multi-omic analysesExperience in performing in vivo screens using CRISPR or RNAiAbout UsAt the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our .All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successfulFind out what benefits the Crick has to offer:For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.Read more on our website:

Expected salary

Location

London

Job date

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:02:49 GMT

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