"Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Brain Tumour Biology"

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Brain Tumour Biology

Location: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Brain Tumour Biology to join the Pathania Laboratory at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, within the Nuffield Department of Medicine. The laboratory focuses on developing disease-representative models of brain tumours that recapitulate tumour behaviour in vivo, treatment responses, and inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity. The group uses multidisciplinary approaches including in vivo models, patient-derived cell lines, drug and CRISPR screening, molecular and cellular biology, genomics and computational biology to investigate mechanisms underlying brain tumour biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities.

You will be responsible for designing, planning and conducting high-quality independent research aligned with the aims of the Ludwig-funded project. You will utilise in vivo brain tumour models to identify molecular targets underlying tumour maintenance and resistance to chemo-, radio- and immunotherapy, including approaches such as genetic barcoding, clonal lineage tracing, and single-cell and spatial omics. The role involves analysing, interpreting and presenting experimental data, managing your own research and administrative activities, and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet project deadlines. You will supervise and train junior staff in in vitro and in vivo techniques including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, histology, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, immunology and single-cell/spatial omics, as well as techniques such as engraftment, treatment, perfusion, tissue isolation and dissociation. You will contribute to laboratory biological safety, participate in scientific discussions and collaborations, contribute ideas for new research projects and funding opportunities, assist with manuscript and report preparation, and disseminate findings through publications, presentations and meetings.

It is essential that you hold a PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) in molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer research or a related life science field. You will have a background in brain or cancer research using in vivo models, primary cell lines and PDX models, and experience with single-cell and spatial omics characterisation of mouse models of cancer, in vivo cancer immunology, or in vivo functional genomics approaches such as CRISPR or shRNA. Demonstrable expertise in laboratory techniques including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, histology/immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, immunology and functional genomics is required, together with experience in in vivo techniques such as orthotopic engraftment, treatment, perfusion, tissue isolation and dissociation.

You will demonstrate strong skills in decision-making, problem solving, planning and organising research, with attention to detail. Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to write for publication, present research findings at conferences and represent the research group at meetings. Experience collaborating with computational scientists to interpret genomics data and experience mentoring, training or supervising junior researchers are also required.

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 Kids Fight Cancer.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 9 April 2026 will be considered. Please quote 185329 on all correspondence.

Contact Person: Bogdan Tiritelnicu
Vacancy ID: 185329
Closing Date & Time: 09-Apr-2026 12:00
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Contact Email: recruitment@ndm.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£): Research Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 with a discretionary range to £53,483 p.a. (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).