The Pathania lab aims to unravel the mechanisms underlying glioma development and therapy resistance. Current projects in the lab involve characterising the mechanism of resistance to targeted therapies, the role of heterogeneity in disease development and therapy failure, and the role of the tumour microenvironment in the context of various oncogenic mutations and disease subtypes. We are now seeking an experienced and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a project funded for three years in the first instance.
The project will involve studying the role of senescence and tumour microenvironmental interactions in various mouse models of glioma, a type of lethal and incurable brain tumour, as part of a collaborative programme of work conducted between Cambridge, Imperial, ICR and UCL. Since senescent cells have been shown to promote tumour development and are therapeutically tractable in cancer models, including brain tumours (see PMIDs 37451272, 37267953, 29670296, and 35241831), the aim of this project is to uncover how interactions between glioma cells and senescent cells in the microenvironment contribute to tumour initiation, maintenance, and the response to treatments such as radio and chemotherapy.
The role will involve a substantial amount of in vivo work so prior expertise in using mouse models¿ in either cancer or neurobiology research, is essential. In addition, expertise in techniques like primary cell culture, confocal microscopy, biochemistry (including IP/ChIP), FACS/flow cytometry, and single-cell epi/genomics is highly desirable. Knowledge of orthotopic engraftment of cells or virus into the brain using stereotaxic coordinates would be advantageous but is not essential, as training for this is available. These techniques will be important for investigating tumour samples from syngeneic and patient-derived xenograft models of various genotypes, with the aim of identifying and characterising senescent and non-senescent cells, tumour cells, and stromal cells, and deconvolving their effects on tumour growth, latency, and treatment response. The work will be supervised by Dr Manav Pathania and will be based at The Milner Institute and the Department of Oncology. The lab is also affiliated with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, the CRUK Cambridge Institute and the CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence. Productive engagement and collaboration with groups based at UCL, Imperial and ICR is expected.
Applicants should hold a PhD in cancer biology or neurobiology, or be close to the completion of their degree. Candidates that have a strong background in two of the following three broad areas of expertise are encouraged to apply: (1) mouse models of cancer or neurodevelopmental disorders, (2) FACS/flow cytometry-based characterisation of tumour/tissue samples, or (3) single- cell multiomics and epigenomics.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop a basic science and multidisciplinary approach to translational cancer research. They will have a strong publication record and an excellent aptitude for research and career development. We are especially looking for applicants with a self- starter mentality, who combine a perceptive and resourceful approach with an ability to work well both in a group setting as well as independently. A proven capacity to design, execute, and interpret your own experiments is essential. The ability to think creatively and develop workaround approaches when faced with challenges that arise while conducting research is highly desirable.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Manav Pathania [email protected] or [email protected].
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline reasons why you would like to be involved in the project, key areas of expertise, future goals/career ambitions and how you match the criteria for the post. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 27th November 2023
Date of interview: To be confirmed
Please quote reference RD38787 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further informationDepartment of Oncology
Salary£36,024-£44,263
ReferenceRD38787
CategoryResearch
Published5 October 2023
Closing date27 November 2023