Stromal Radiobiology Group

Under the guidance of Anna Wilkins, we are seeking to recruit a Higher Scientific Officer to contribute to collect longitudinal tumour samples and examine how the tumour microenvironment contributes to resistance to PSMA lutetium, and additionally establish how PSMA lutetium drives changes in the tumour microenvironment. The successful candidate will play a key role in tumour collection, plus profiling and analysing the tumour microenvironment. . About you The successful candidate must have: Extensive knowledge of the tumour microenvironment and how to profile it. Experience working with clinical samples BSc (or equivalent) in biological sciences Department/Directorate Information The Stromal Radiobiology Group, led by Anna Wilkins, aims to understand how the tumour microenvironment of urological cancers drives radiotherapy resistance. The group focuses on prostate and bladder cancers with an emphasis on integrating findings from preclinical models and patient samples. 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 and other drugs that modify the tumour microenvironment) 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 Hospital. Overall, our mission is to cure more patients with fewer immediate and long-term side effects of treatment. https://www.icr.ac.uk/research-and-discoveries/icr-divisions/radiotherapy-and-imaging/stromal-radiobiology 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 Anna Wilkins via email on [email protected]