Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Dr Thomas Bird

Beatson Lab: Liver disease and regeneration

Project Title: Identifying subtype specific vulnerability in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Contract term: Fixed up to 6 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

A postdoctoral position is offered in the Liver Disease and Regeneration group headed by Professor Tom Bird. As a group we have developed, and now are exploiting, a suite of genetically engineered mouse models of subtypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to explore and test the clinical utility of targeting subtype-specific pathways in this common cancer of unmet need.

The project will address the question of why a common and difficult to treat subtype of the disease is resistant to therapy and whether there are specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited during its development to treat it at an earlier stage. This will involve both pathway inhibition and interaction with tumour microenvironment particularly the immune microenvironment.

We work collaboratively with the state-of-the-art facilities throughout the Beatson and additionally with Industrial partners with a very focused view on how we can rapidly deliver novel therapies to clinical trials in patients. The project will involve significant work with animal models but aims to also integrate human multiomic data from project partners. Tissue analysis and experimental planning will be central components of the role also.

You must have a PhD in a relevant field, be ambitious, thorough and driven by scientific curiosity. Exisiting skills with regard to the use of animal models including holding a Personal License (PIL),  and bioinformatic methods are especially desirable. A desire to work in translation science is essential.

To find out more about this unique opportunity to establish advanced skills and expertise in this exciting field please contact: Professor Tom Bird, t.bird@beatson.gla.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 forum, providing peer support, training, careers advice and regular social events

All applications must be made via our website: http://www.beatson.gla.ac.uk/careers/postdoctoral-fellows/ . 

Closing Date for Applications: 05 February 2023. We hope to hold interviews between 20^th February and 03 March 2023.

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