Paediatric Solid Tumour Biology and Therapeutics Group

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position is based at the newly established Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), part of the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Key Requirements The successful candidate will generate and employ state-of-the-art genetic and humanised mouse models of cancer to tackle fundamental and translational questions in haemato-oncology and/or solid tumour oncology. In addition to leading a successful research group, they will expand the CIVM's research capabilities and foster productive collaborations with other groups and centres at the ICR, thus promoting in vivo modelling by integrating it into multidisciplinary projects and initiatives. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in in vivo modelling and advanced mouse genetics, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision leveraging advanced genetic mouse models and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form, you will also be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) A PDF of a maximum of five key publications, or other research outputs (e.g. patents) that best demonstrate previous productivity You must also complete the personal statement section of the application form in the format of a covering letter including the names and contact details of three academic referees Department/Directorate Information: The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in state-of-the-art in vivo cancer models to probe these complex cancer ecosystems, discover their underlying biology, and identify new therapeutic targets. The postholder will significantly contribute to driving these strategic priorities. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Kamil R. Kranc ([email protected]), Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling, or Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.

Under the guidance of Anna Wilkins and Magnus Dillon, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to contribute to a project on the microenvironmental effects of radiotherapy, assessing the microenvironmental effects of advanced radiation technologies in vivo and conducting analyses of radiotherapy-treated human tumour tissues. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing our knowledge of the effect of radiation (microbeam +/- FLASH) on fibroblast and myeloid populations in pancreatic and bladder cancer models. About you The successful candidate must have: - a home office licence and prior experience of in vivo mouse work - immunology experience, either using multiparameter flow cytometry, development and analysis of multiplex immunofluorescence or spatial transcriptomic data analysis Candidates who are nearing completion of their PhD may apply, but confirmation on awarded PhD is required within 6 months of employment. The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 7 years as PDTF at the ICR, providing total postdoctoral experience (including previous employment at this level elsewhere) does not exceed 7 years. For general information on Postdocs at The ICR, more information can be found here. Department/Directorate Information The Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging brings together research groups that work on how to use radiation therapy, guided by state-of-the-art imaging techniques, in the most effective way to cure cancer. Our work is based on the central idea that the best outcomes will be achieved by delivering curative radiation doses to tumours, while limiting radiation damage of neighbouring normal tissues. Our therapy often includes adding drug treatments alongside radiation therapy as a means of killing cancer cells more effectively and, at the same time, activating anti-tumour immune responses. Preclinical work includes research that combines radiation therapy with radiation sensitisers and biological response modifiers (for example innate immune activators, immune checkpoint inhibitors) to maximise anti-tumour efficacy and give protection against tumour recurrence. Multiple translational clinical studies seek to address these themes through our collaborators in the Royal Marsden. Overall, our mission is to cure more patients with fewer immediate and long-term side effects of treatment. Biological enhancement of radiotherapy and Stromal Radiobiology Groups The Biological Enhancement of Radiotherapy and Stromal Radiobiology Groups (led by Magnus Dillon and Anna Wilkins) aim to understand how the tumour microenvironment drives radiotherapy resistance. The groups focus on gastrointestinal and bladder cancers with an emphasis on integrating findings from preclinical models and patient samples. The immunostimulatory effect of radiation is often restrained by suppressive cells in the tumour microenvironment. These include certain populations of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumour-associated neutrophils. Both fibroblast and macrophage activation and polarity can be affected by radiation, with dose-dependent effects. The effect of dose-rate is unknown, but delivering radiation at ultra-high dose-rates (FLASH) is believed to have reduced effects on normal tissues, including immune cells. Microbeam radiotherapy offers the opportunity to modulate different spatially-distributed populations by exposure to different radiation doses. Using these technologies may allow the delivery of radiation which (a) preserves and (b) stimulates anti-tumour immune cells, when compared to standard treatment. We work collaboratively within other groups in the Centre for Immunotherapy of Cancer and the Centre for Cancer Imaging What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities Collaboration with leading researchers in the field Competitive salary and pension We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]