Postdoctoral Researcher - Brain Tumour Biology

Location: Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

The Pathania Laboratory will be moving to the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford Branch, from the University of Cambridge in early 2026. The lab focuses on developing novel, more disease-representative models of brain tumours that recapitulate how tumours behave in vivo, how they respond to treatments, and in their inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, which we can titrate to more closely mirror human tumours.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the new team at Oxford, utilising in vivo brain tumour models to identify molecular targets underlying tumour maintenance and resistance to chemo, radio and immuno-therapy, using genetic barcoding and clonal lineage tracing and single-cell and spatial omics. You will be a core member of the team, assisting with lab personnel management, administration of finances, and also guiding and supervising more junior members of the team.

You will be responsible for designing, planning and conducting high-quality, independent research aligned with the project aims outlined by Dr Pathania and funded by Ludwig Cancer Research. You will critically analyse, interpret and present experimental data with scientific rigor and reproducibility and you will manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. Other duties will include supervising and training junior staff in in vivo and in vitro techniques, responsibility with others for the biological safety of the laboratory and developing ideas for generating research income and new scientific techniques.

It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or close to completion) in molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer research or a related life science field, and a background in brain/cancer research using in vivo models, primary cell lines, and PDX models. You will have demonstrable expertise in the following lab-based techniques: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, histology/immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, immunology, single-cell/spatial omics, functional genomics. It is essential you have experience in in vivo techniques and strong skills in decision-making, problem-solving, planning and organising analysis and research, with attention to detail.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 36 months and is funded by Ludwig.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 1 December 2025 will be considered. Please quote 183232 on all correspondence.

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