At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering team to advance cancer treatment through innovative research and collaboration.
- Company: Leading research programme focused on precision oncology and patient care.
- Benefits: Access to top-tier infrastructure, career progression, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about impactful science and future leadership in oncology.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer research with direct clinical relevance.
- Qualifications: PhD in cancer biology or related field; strong experimental and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking an outstanding Research Fellow to join an ambitious translational oncology programme focused on improving precision treatment approaches for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. This funded programme brings together laboratory scientists, clinicians, and molecular researchers to develop clinically relevant approaches for understanding therapeutic response and resistance in cancer. The post offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a highly translational initiative operating at the interface of discovery science and patient care.
The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping experimental strategy, generating clinically relevant biological insights, and supporting the progression of the programme towards future clinical application. This is not a conventional postdoctoral role centred on a predefined set of experiments. It is an opportunity to contribute to the development of an evolving translational research platform with clear real‑world relevance.
The Role
- The Research Fellow will contribute to the scientific and translational development of the programme, including:
- developing and optimising advanced experimental cancer models
- leading functional studies examining therapeutic response and resistance
- integrating biological and molecular data to support translational interpretation
- contributing to clinically relevant reporting and communication of findings
- supporting regulatory, governance, and translational preparation activities
- helping shape experimental direction in collaboration with clinical and scientific investigators
The role requires a high degree of scientific independence, critical thinking, and translational judgement.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking an individual with strong experimental expertise and an interest in clinically relevant cancer research.
Essential
- PhD (or equivalent) in cancer biology or a related discipline
- Strong background in experimental oncology or cellular/molecular biology
- Experience developing or optimising complex biological assays or model systems
- Ability to interpret multifaceted biological data critically
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Evidence of scientific writing and publication
Desirable
- Experience working with translational or clinically aligned research programmes
- Familiarity with cancer therapeutics, resistance biology, or tumour modelling
- Experience integrating molecular and functional datasets
- Understanding of research governance, ethics, or regulatory frameworks
- Experience working within multidisciplinary environments
The Environment
- translational cancer biology
- clinical oncology and surgery
- molecular profiling and computational analysis
The programme provides access to established infrastructure, high-quality clinical material, and strong translational support across Southampton and partner clinical centres.
Why this role is different
This position offers the opportunity to work within a genuinely translational programme designed with future clinical application in mind. You will contribute not only to experimental delivery, but also to the development of approaches capable of bridging laboratory discovery and clinical decision‑making.
The Role Is Particularly Suited To Candidates Interested In
- translational cancer research
- clinically impactful science
- multidisciplinary programme development
- future leadership in translational oncology
Career Development
The post provides excellent opportunities for career progression and scientific development, including exposure to:
- translational programme leadership
- multidisciplinary clinical‑scientific collaboration
- clinically aligned research strategy
- future grant and fellowship development
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cancer Biology in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
Join a pioneering translational oncology programme in Southampton, where you will collaborate with leading laboratory scientists and clinicians to drive innovative cancer research. Our supportive work culture fosters scientific independence and critical thinking, while offering exceptional career development opportunities in a multidisciplinary environment focused on real-world impact. With access to cutting-edge infrastructure and resources, this role is perfect for those looking to make meaningful contributions to the future of cancer treatment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cancer Biology in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of Southampton. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of Southampton!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cancer Biology in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of Southampton that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of Southampton.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of Southampton does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of Southampton. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Southampton's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Southampton. This shows your passion for the industry!
