Ref Number
B02-10932
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£52,586
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
07-Aug-2026
The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the world's leading universities. The Institute draws together over 400 talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing more effective therapies for cancer patients. The UCL Cancer Institute is part of the CRUK City of London Centre, which draws together the expertise present in four leading centres for cancer research, UCL, Barts, KCL and the Francis Crick Institute. Further Information about the UCL Cancer Institute can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/
The Regulatory Genomics laboratory uses genomics, bioinformatics, molecular and biochemical techniques to identify how transcription factors, chromatin modifiers and RNA binding proteins regulate cell differentiation. The lab currently comprises the principal investigator, three postdoctoral research associates, and four PhD students. Our research uses embryonic stem cells as a model for embryonic development and T helper cells as a model for adult cell differentiation. Over the last 15 years, we have identified mechanisms through which transcription factors control CD4+ T cell differentiation.
A short-term position has become available for a post-doctoral research fellow to work between the Regulatory Genomics and the Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy labs to help complete experiments for a paper that is under review.
Further details of our research interests can be found at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/research/department-cancer-biology/regulatory-genomics-research-group
The Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Group aims to identify and target the most relevant cellular and molecular pathways restricting the activation of tumour-reactive lymphocytes, their access to the tumour site, and their activity within the tumour microenvironment. Moreover, we are interested in how the function and plasticity of tumour-reactive CD4+ T cells and the innate immune compartment is regulated by the tumour microenvironment and by immune co-inhibitory (e.g. CTLA-4 and PD-1) and co-stimulatory signals (e.g. GITR, OX40, CD27). In addition, we are interested in understanding how these regulatory circuits control the efficacy of cellular vaccination and adoptive cell transfer strategies and how can they be manipulated to induce potent anti-tumour immunity.
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD and subsequent experience; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
Applications should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. (By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the 'Why you have applied for this role' field in the application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)
The post starts in September 2026, and it is funded until 31 March 2027.
You will hold a PhD in Immunology or a related discipline and have experience in cancer immunology research, including the use of mouse tumour models and multi-colour flow cytometry. You will possess a strong understanding of T cell activation and differentiation, with knowledge of post-transcriptional regulation and its role in immune cell function.
The successful candidate will have a track record of contributing to high-quality research outputs, including publications in relevant fields. You will be able to work independently, manage competing priorities effectively and collaborate productively across multidisciplinary research teams.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, together with the ability to analyse and present complex data using tools such as GraphPad Prism. A commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment is also expected.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme
- Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance
For rewards and benefits at UCL please visit:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
