Plymouth University and its Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry have a strong record of excellence, enterprise and innovation across its teaching and research activities. The university has recently invested more than GBP 150 million in its estate and facilities to enhance the student experience and support world-class research. This excellence has been further demonstrated by receiving a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education and being ranked among the top 40 Modern Universities in the world.
The Schools of Medicine and Dentistry work across traditional boundaries and focus on Cancer, Clinical Neuroscience, and Infection, Inflammation and Immunity. A recent investment of GBP 25 million into the Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine strengthens and complements existing centres of excellence in the Schools. The success of our research strategy has been acknowledged in the recent research excellence exercise (REF) where our Clinical Medicine had the highest quality output per researcher of all UK medical schools. To further fulfil our ambition for first class translational research, we are seeking to appoint a senior research fellow (lecturer equivalent) to work with Prof Ji-Liang Li who was recently appointed Chair of Cancer in the Schools to strengthen the existing excellence in the field.
The research programme of Prof Li focuses on Tumour Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Medicine. By employing a variety of approaches including molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, proteomics, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, animal models, human tumour samples and relevant clinical data, our research is dedicated to delineate mechanisms on how key molecules (such as microRNAs, lncRNAs, and protein ligands/receptors), signalling pathways (such as Notch signalling), tumour cells, and stromal cells (such as endothelial cells, infiltrating lymphocytes, tumour-associated macrophages, and tumour-associated fibroblasts) in tumour microenvironment regulate tumour growth and metastasis and tumour response to therapeutic treatment (in particular, cross-interactions among chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy). Our aims are to dissect mechanisms of tumour invasion and metastasis, develop novel therapeutic targets, and improve therapeutic efficacy by optimal combinations of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a PhD or MD/PhD and a strong background in mouse or human tumour immunology, extensive experience with therapeutic applications, multi-colour FACS analysis of tumour infiltrating immune cell subsets, functional assays of cytotoxic T cells, real-time qPCR, cell culture, and animal work are essential for the position. Hand on experience with angiogenesis assays, hypoxia, bioinformatics, primary tissue samples, tumour immunochemistry, and confocal microscopy is of advantage. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, team-work and organisation with a strong track record of publications in high-impacted journals and great career ambition are a prerequisite for the position.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Ji-Liang Li (+44 1752 437491; ji-liang.li@plymouth.ac.uk)
Further Information
The appointment is core funded by the Schools. Salary will be in grade 8 from GBP 38,511 to GBP 45,954 pa dependent on skills and experience. A generous relocation package is also available, full details are contained within the job description and further particulars. This post will be based in Plymouth.
There are many advantages to working at Plymouth University. From flexible working, childcare vouchers, and generous annual leave entitlement, we're doing all we can to help you achieve the ideal work-life balance.
Recruitment and selection will be based on individual merit; however, we should particularly like to encourage applications from women, black and minority ethnic people who are under-represented in this area within Plymouth University.
This is a full-time post working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 3 years in the first instance, and is available immediately.
Plymouth University is committed to an inclusive culture and respecting diversity, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is a Stonewall diversity champion.
The University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women's career in STEMM academia.
Job Description