Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Job title:

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist

Company

Francis Crick Institute

Job description

Job title: Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability LaboratoryReporting to: Charles Swanton, Principal Investigator, Deputy Clinical DirectorContact term: This is a full-time 4 year 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, we are seeking applications from candidates with a creative approach to research with wet lab competencies, and encourage applicants with wet and dry lab skills to apply.Our research direction investigates the role of cell lineage upon lung cancer initiation, both in homeostasis and in the context of challenge with non-mutagenic carcinogens. 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 now imperative to understand which cells within the lung are most susceptible to air pollutants and the routes they take to tumourigenesis. By identifying common pathways across different lineages, we aspire to identify actionable targets suitable for therapeutic intervention to prevent the onset of cancer.In parallel, our research is committed to advancing our understanding the biology of lung tumour evolution based around analysis of next generation sequence (NGS) data and the tumour microenvironment from the TRACERx longitudinal lung cancer program. Leveraging genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic sequencing as well as spatial immunophenotyping data from patient samples, our aim is to trace the intricate evolutionary trajectories of lung tumours across space and time. This work will unveil the key drivers of cancer progression, immune resistance mechanisms, and potential vulnerabilities within the tumour landscape. Our pursuit of these insights promises to pave the way for more personalized and precise interventions to enhance patient outcomes.The postholder will be responsible for:Working within the multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, bioinformaticians and benchScientists 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 complementary 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 forpublication and presenting orally and in poster form at national and international meetings.Postdocs 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; Open; CollegialWe are seeking applications from experimental candidates, computational skills are not essential but desirable.EssentialPhD in cancer biology / evolutionary biology / epithelial cell biology / stem cell biology or other relevant disciplineGood knowledge and experience in at least one of the following: cancer biology / cancer immunology / epithelial cell biology / evolutionary biology / genomics / stem cell biologyTechnical qualifications: expertise in mouse models, functional in vitro assays and co-cultures as well as experience with tissue histology / flow cytometry methodsTrack 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 with experiments involving primary human cells and tissuesExperience with organoid cultureexperience with lineage tracing approachesanalysis of single cell and single nuclei dataanalysis of bulk genomic and transcriptomic datasetsAbout 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 website.The closing date for applications is 2024 at 23:59All 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 successfulEquality, Diversity & InclusionWe 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.

Expected salary

Location

London

Job date

Wed, 22 May 2024 22:08:16 GMT

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