Research Associate in Cancer Immunotherapy

Research Associate in Cancer Immunotherapy
Division of Infection and Immunity
School of Medicine
£32,004 - £38,183 per annum (Grade 6) - please note a maximum salary of £34,956 per annum (spine point 33) applies to this post.
35 hours per week, Full time
Available from 1 September 2017 and is fixed term for three years.
Vacancy Number: 6334BR

Cancer immunotherapy has progressed significantly in recent years with improved understanding of how to boost the normally weak immune response to cancers. Nevertheless, there is considerable need for more improvements to ensure this form of treatment is more widely and effectively applied. Successful immunotherapy depends on immune cells, such as killer T lymphocytes, becoming activated and homing to the cancer. However, angiogenic blood vessels restrict entry of T lymphocytes to the cancer. Our studies of T lymphocyte trafficking in virus infection have generated a novel concept in protective immunity. Specifically, re-expression of L-selectin on early stage cytotoxic T cells is required for efficient recruitment from the bloodstream into infected organs in order to clear virus). Moreover, T cells which do not downregulate L-selectin on activation (L-selectin enhanced) are better able to clear virus due to increased recruitment into virus-infected tissues (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2015.12.090).

This Cancer Research UK funded post will determine whether enhanced L-selectin could be used for in cancer immunotherapy; novel findings will be tested in human T cells for rapid translation to the clinic.

Candidates will have a PhD in a relevant biomedical research area, such as infection and immunity, cell biology or tumour immunology and a solid track record of research and academic achievement. Candidates with experience in leucocyte homing, vascular biology or imaging and are highly motivated to work in a competitive biomedical area are encouraged to apply.

The candidate will join the Cancer Immunology Group whose members are working on complementary approaches to cancer immunotherapy such as vaccination, checkpoint blockade inhibition and manipulating the cancer microenvironment.
htps://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/explore/research-units/cancer-immunology-group

Informal enquires may be addressed to Dr Ann Ager, email: [email protected].

Cardiff University is currently undertaking a pre-employment checking pilot scheme across limited areas of the institution. Under this pilot scheme, this post has been identified as being subject to the following pre-employment checks:

• Occupational Health Check (OH).

Further information about pre-employment checking can be made available upon request.
For more information and to apply for the above vacancy please visit http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs

Closing date: Monday 28 August 2017.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.