Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious PDRA to join the newly established Nicholson Lab within the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. Our research combines patient-derived glioblastoma models, cerebral organoids and single-cell epigenomics to understand how epigenetic heterogeneity drives treatment resistance and recurrence. The post holder will lead the experimental programme investigating how heritable epigenetic subpopulations (“epi-clones”) are selected during temozolomide and radiotherapy. They will establish longitudinal treatment models using patient-derived glioma-initiating cells, generate single-cell DNA methylation and transcriptomic libraries, and functionally evaluate therapies targeting resistant states using cell and organoid models.

As the first postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory, the successful candidate will have substantial intellectual ownership and opportunities to shape the group’s experimental platforms and scientific direction. They will work closely with Dr James Nicholson and collaborators, analyse and interpret data, supervise students, and disseminate findings through first-author publications and conference presentations. This 42-month appointment offers unusual continuity for a postdoctoral position, providing the time and resources to develop a substantial body of work from experimental model development and single-cell discovery through to therapeutic validation and publication.

About You

You will already or shortly hold a PhD in cancer/molecular biology or a related discipline. Substantial hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular and cellular biology is essential. Experience with patient-derived cancer models, organoid or other three-dimensional cultures, drug-response assays, radiotherapy models or next-generation sequencing library preparation is desirable. Previous computational experience is not essential, as training and support in bioinformatic and single-cell data analysis will be provided.

The position would particularly suit an ambitious researcher seeking project ownership, a distinctive experimental–computational profile and a strong platform for progression towards research independence

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003, one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 350 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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