At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering team to research prostate cancer and develop innovative therapies.
- Company: UCL Cancer Institute, a leader in cancer research and treatment.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead AI projects and pursue a PhD.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer treatment while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Experience in pathology and familiarity with prostate cancer histology required.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
UCL Cancer Institute (UCL CI) is a state-of-the-art institute to consolidate cancer research at UCL and promote links with our partner teaching hospitals, in order to support excellence in basic and translational studies. The Institute draws together talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients. It is a Cancer Research UK and Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, and contains approximately 580 staff, including 120 PhD and MD (Res) students and 40 MSc students.
We are seeking to appoint a pathologist as a Clinical Research Fellow in prostate cancer histopathology. This role represents an opportunity for a motivated pathologist to develop their academic and molecular pathology experience and work on an exciting and first‑of‑its‑kind study interrogating the treatment resistance and predicting outcomes by detailed longitudinal studies on patients randomised in the STAMPEDE2 trial.
About the role: The STAMPEDE trial was the first multi‑arm multi‑stage platform trial to open (in 2004) and to date has contributed to several large‑scale changes in the management of patients with advanced prostate cancer. Over the past few years we have used molecular tests for biomarker‑based stratification and for interrogating disease biology that underlies treatment resistance. STAMPEDE2 was initiated in 2023 and builds on STAMPEDE1, to further improve the outcomes of metastatic patients. The trials are conducted by the Innovative CTU at UCL working closely with the Trial Management Group. STAMPEDE2 randomly allocates patients with high‑volume metastatic prostate cancer (N=1500) to the radioligand therapy 177Lu‑PSMA‑617. Patients who consent to STAMPEDE‑Life will donate plasma at every point of disease progression and have the option to participate in the post‑mortem study (PEACE, Posthumous Evaluation of Advanced Cancer Environment). In this programme, recently funded by Prostate Cancer UK, we will track resistant clones after treatment and define mechanisms of resistance to radioligand therapy and how early use of treatment impacts the evolution to treatment‑resistant disease. The team will also work closely with scientists studying biopsies of residual disease obtained after radioligand therapy.
The programme aims to integrate molecular pathology with detailed genomic and clinical datasets across different tumour types, in order to map the dynamics of the tumour micro‑environment from early to late stage disease and in response to therapies. The Treatment Resistance Team led by Professor Gerhardt Attard is a multi‑disciplinary team focusing on studying treatment resistance in advanced urological cancers. The group has been integrating solid tumour and circulating cell‑free DNA genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics with functional studies to track tumour clone dynamics in patients progressing through multiple lines of treatment. The aim is to identify cancer vulnerabilities to be exploited therapeutically and design clinical trials of biomarker‑directed strategies for rational treatment selection and sequencing.
The position is available for 3 years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.
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 section of the job description.
About you: We seek an applicant who has experience in pathology and is familiar with prostate cancer histology. They will ideally have some experience in cancer research and molecular pathology and be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, bioinformaticians and academics from other medical specialities, plus technical and support staff. The post holder will be involved in artificial intelligence and digital pathology projects through the application of this technology within these landmark patient cohorts and have the opportunity to lead projects in this field. As part of the appointment the candidate is expected to compete for and complete a PhD.
What we offer:
- 41 days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- 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
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 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/
Clinical Research Fellow in Pathology employer: UCL
UCL Cancer Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work environment that fosters academic growth and research excellence in the field of cancer pathology. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects, employees are supported in their professional development while contributing to meaningful advancements in cancer treatment. Located in London, UCL CI promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups to enrich its vibrant community.
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We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Research Fellow in Pathology
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Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Clinical Research Fellow in Pathology at UCL. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like UCL will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
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✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
