Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Dr Colin Steele
Defining tumour-neutrophil interactions to identify targets for therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer
Beatson Lab: Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Salary: from £32,868 to £42,717 (Depending on experience) plus relocation allowance and costs paid for Skilled Worker visa if required.
Contract term: Fixed up to 4 years, subject to successful review at Year 3
About us
The CRUK Beatson Institute where the lab is based is a world leading cancer research institute, situated in the vibrant city of Glasgow in Scotland and hosting approximately 60 postdoctoral researcher scientists at any one time. It has an excellent reputation for fundamental cancer research, including world-class metabolism studies and renowned in vivo modelling of tumour growth and metastasis
Project outline
This is an exciting research opportunity to join our team of scientists interrogating neutrophil phenotypes in progression of cancer. Alongside Prof Owen Sansom and Prof Jen Morton we have demonstrated the importance of neutrophil infiltration of the liver metastatic niche in establishment of epithelial cancer metastases. Using complex models, metastatic burden can be ameliorated using neutrophil targeting drugs alongside recognised immunotherapies (Steele et al Cancer Cell 2016; Jackstadt et al Cancer Cell 2019). The successful applicant will work as part of an interested grouping composing Clinician Scientists (Dr Colin Steele, Dr Nigel Jamieson) and Beatson PIs (Dr Leo Carlin, Prof Owen Sansom) to determine the nature of neutrophil infiltration in human colorectal liver metastases and the functional impact of in vivo manipulation of neutrophils within complex models of disease. You will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art techniques in cancer biology both in vitro and in vivo - organoid/tumouroid culture, genetically engineered mouse modelling, intravital imaging (Leo Carlin) and transcriptional profiling bulk RNA sequencing, scRNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics (Nigel Jamieson) to investigate the interplay between protumourigenic neutrophils, other immune cells and tumour cells within colorectal liver metastases. We will focus on identified neutrophil targets with a view to translation to the clinic. We already have a large amount of important and exciting data in this area so now is a key time to join a project with a lot of momentum and excellent established collaborations.
The successful applicant will already have or will soon complete a PhD in cancer biology or a related field. Skills in some of the above techniques are desirable, but intelligence, curiosity, enthusiasm, and a desire to work in a supportive, diverse team are essential.
For informal enquiries, please email colin.steele@glasgow.ac.uk
Postdoc support
Postdocs are key members of our research community, and we offer them a range of opportunities to train and develop as researchers while they are with us:
- Exciting, innovative cancer research projects in state-of-the art labs
- A highly collaborative and interactive research environment
- Access to and training in key advanced technologies, for example imaging and in vivo modelling
- A mentor enabling scheme to aid personal and professional development
- A rich programme of scientific exchange through seminars, workshops and meetings
- Support to make fellowship and small grant applications, including during their transition to their next position
- Guidance and mentoring to compete for an independent scientist position as well as a multitude of other career options, including in industry.
- A highly engaged postdoc society, providing peer support, training, careers advice and regular social events
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our overarching research ethos at the Institute is about excellence, honesty, openness, accountability and integrity. The diversity of our staff and students is also what makes the Institute such a vibrant place to work and advance discoveries in cancer research. Family friendly policies, our collaborative ethos, a focus on good mental health and well-being and opportunities for all help to create an enjoyable and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.
The Institute is also committed to increasing the number of female scientists at the postdoc level and beyond and encourages female applicants to apply. We have a highly attractive maternity policy which provides 12-18 months support and funding for postdocs wishing to take time off to spend with their children amongst other family friendly policies.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 40.5 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro-rata)
- Defined Contribution pension scheme
- Life Insurance scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Season ticket loan
- Additional maternity pay at 6 month's full pay (subject to service)
- Shared parental leave
- Cycle to work scheme that could save you 26-40% on a bike and accessories.
- Access to Employee benefit schemes with discounts on supermarkets, cinema, travel and much more.
- On-site secure parking
Closing Date for Applications: 22 June 2023 but we will contact promising candidates on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are ready.
