The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. We provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) leads the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment. Under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Professor Paul Workman FRS, the ICR is ranked as the UK’s leading academic research centre. Together with our partner The Royal Marsden, we are rated in the top four cancer centres globally.
The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the ICR is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research and its goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Formerly known as The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre, at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, it is located in state-of-the-art laboratory space, with excellent core facilities and funding. The ICR is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best minds in the world to join us in our mission – to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.
The Cell Death and Inflammation Team, led by Professor Pascal Meier, is focussing on cell competition, and how ‘fitter’ cells stimulate the elimination of nearby ‘loser’ cells.
Cell competition is a cell fitness-sensing mechanism conserved from insects to mammals that eliminates those cells that, although viable, are less fit than their neighbours. An important implication of cell competition is that cellular fitness is not only a cell-intrinsic property but is also determined relative to the fitness of neighbouring cells: a cell that is of suboptimal fitness in one context may be ‘‘super-fit’’ in the context of a different cell population.
A Postdoctoral Training Fellow position is available to investigate the mechanism of cell competition, and how this might be linked to cancer. The successful candidate will initially use Drosophila as a model system to uncover the signalling mechanisms of cell competition, and how ‘fitter’ cells murder ‘weaker’ loser cells. Heterogenetic, patient-derived, three-dimensional (3D) tumour organoid (PDOs) models will also be used. This will allow the candidate to explore whether cell competition mechanisms can be exploited to manipulate tumour evolution to improve treatment outcome.
You will have the opportunity to interact within a multidisciplinary environment of molecular biologists, clinicians, computer scientists and a network of international collaborators.
You should possess a PhD in a biological science such fly genetics, developmental biology or cell biology. Experience of fly genetics is essential. Experience with 3D organoid culturing and genetic engineering is desirable.
Appointment will be on a Fixed Term Contract for 3 years. The full salary scale for the post is in the range from £30,410 to £43,463 p.a. inclusive. Starting salary will be based on previous postdoctoral experience.
Informal enquires can be made to Professor Pascal Meier at
[email protected]. Please do not send your application to Professor Pascal Meier, formal applications must be submitted online.
To apply please submit your CV and covering letter (addressing with specific examples where you meet the person specification and incl. the names and addresses of at least two referees) online.
