CRUK ECRIN-M3 Research Assistant / Technician

CRUK ECRIN‑M3 Research Assistant / Technician

The School of Cancer Sciences provides a stimulating work environment for more than 100 scientists, clinicians, and associated staff, investigating cancer and its treatment. Our research spans immunology, genomics, molecular and cellular biology, and bioinformatics, with strong international collaborations.

We are looking to appoint a Research Technician to support the Mature Lymphoid Malignancies Observational Study (MLMS) and the CRUK accelerator programme ‘Early Cancer Research Initiative Network on Monoclonal B‑cell Lymphocytosis (ECRIN‑M3), awarded to Professor Francesco Forconi at the University of Southampton.

In this role, you will join an expanding team of clinicians and scientists with expertise in cancer B‑cell immunology, genomics, molecular and cellular biology, and bioinformatics. You will also contribute to an international team of scientists investigating the mechanisms of disease progression in B‑cell leukaemias and lymphomas, working closely with partners across Europe, particularly Spain and Italy, who are an active part of the ECRIN‑M3 programme. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a programme that aims to accelerate discoveries with real impact on patient care.

Your responsibilities will include processing primary leukaemia and lymphoma cells from a range of patient samples and performing immunophenotyping, calcium flux assays, IGHV mutational analysis, and other genetic techniques such as RNA‑seq and IgSeqR. You will maintain meticulous records and conduct laboratory activities to a high standard. Alongside core laboratory duties, you will liaise with the Clinical Informatics Research Unit to ensure timely and accurate entry of laboratory and clinical data into the research database and tissue bank repository, supporting data integrity by identifying discrepancies between laboratory results and associated clinical records. A good understanding of current health and safety regulations is essential, and training will be provided where necessary.

We are looking for a motivated individual who can work flexibly as part of a team and independently. You should bring relevant laboratory experience and demonstrate exceptional attention to detail. A strong foundation in immunophenotyping and cell processing is desirable, while experience with techniques such as IGHV mutational analysis and RNA sequencing would be highly advantageous. Familiarity with clinical data management systems and an understanding of clinical research processes will further strengthen your application.

This post will be based within the School of Cancer Sciences (including the new Centre for Cancer Immunology and the Clinical Informatics Research Unit) at the Southampton General Hospital campus, occupying modern, well‑equipped, purpose‑built laboratories, with support from clinical and laboratory‑based colleagues.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. If a sufficient number of applications are received, this vacancy may close earlier than the date specified at the top of this advert. Therefore, if interested in applying for this vacancy, we recommend you submit your completed application as soon as possible.

The position is funded by Cancer Research UK and is full‑time for 15 months, with intent for extension pending progress and availability of funding. Working hours are flexible except for 1 day a week when sample processing is required after 5 pm.

Additional details about the School of Cancer Sciences can be found at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine/academic_units/academic_units/cancer_sciences.page

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Professor Francesco Forconi f.forconi@soton.ac.uk.