Clinical Research Fellow – Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences – 107561 – Clinical

Position Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £45,943 – £65,048 depending on ST level.

Grade: Clinical

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 3 years

Closing date: 7th July

Start date will ideally be 1st February 2027

Role Summary

To contribute to the achievement of the Institute’s research strategy by undertaking specified research activities within an established research programme.

The project is entitled: “Opportunity in Brain Tumour Diagnostics, Multi-Omics and Computational Biology.” This project addresses a major unmet clinical need: brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adults under 40, with survival outcomes still poor. Median time from surgery to tissue diagnosis is 26 days (IQR 21–36; Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX interim analysis 2025). This PhD aims to develop rapid and accurate diagnostic approaches using advanced genomic technologies. The project will evaluate rapid sequencing methods alongside DNA methylation-based classifiers to accelerate tissue diagnosis. By reducing the time to diagnosis and developing new efficient techniques, this work has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enable faster access to targeted therapies and clinical trials, and reduce the psychological burden associated with diagnostic delays.

We are offering an exciting fully funded clinical PhD opportunity in brain tumour diagnostics, focusing on multi-omics approaches and computational biology. This project addresses a major unmet clinical need: brain tumours remain the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adults under 40, with survival outcomes still poor. Median time from surgery to tissue diagnosis is 26 days (IQR 21–36; Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX interim analysis 2025). This PhD aims to develop rapid and accurate diagnostic approaches using advanced genomic technologies. The project will evaluate rapid sequencing methods alongside DNA methylation-based classifiers to accelerate tissue diagnosis. By reducing the time to diagnosis and developing new efficient techniques, this work has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enable faster access to targeted therapies and clinical trials, and reduce the psychological burden associated with diagnostic delays.

The molecular testing will be performed mainly at the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service (MPDS) at UHB led by Dr Philippe Taniere, which offers access to a wide range of technologies on site (IHC, FISH, RT-PCR, NGS, long read sequencing, methylation array) as well as technical and scientifical support. The Jean Spier brain tumour tissue pipeline provides access to fresh tumour samples with appropriate clinical annotation led by Dr Victoria Wykes (academic neurosurgeon). Collaboration will also be with the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences – University of Birmingham, led by Professor Andrew Beggs

The successful candidate (pathology /neurosurgery ST1-3 ideally with a National Training Number) will generate and analyse a richly annotated, integrated multi-omic dataset from brain tumour samples. Working at the interface of computational biology, neuro-oncology and molecular medicine, the student will apply state-of-the-art transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenomic profiling techniques. The project will also involve developing and validating novel diagnostic classifiers and establishing a testbed for genomic testing in a clinical setting.

The pilot data generated will be used to apply for further fellowship funding eg.NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer.

Main Duties

• To plan and develop research contributions to subject area using methodologies, critical evaluations, interpretations, analyses and other appropriate techniques
• To analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate ideas based on outcomes
• To suggest and contribute to the development of research techniques, models and methods in collaboration with colleagues
• To contribute to writing bids for research grants
• To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective media such as publication, research seminars etc
• To provide guidance to other staff and students on own specialist area
• To contribute to the production of research reports and publications
• To prepare papers for Steering groups and other bodies
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Medical degree, Intercalated or biomedical science degree preferable
• ST-1-ST3: National Training Number in Medicine or surgery (preferably pathology/neurosurgery or oncology) 
• Possesses sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and or research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

OH&DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Victoria Wykes, email: v.wykes@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.