Website The University of Sussex
About the role
A Research Fellow position is available within the group of Dr Leandro Castellano to undertake and lead a research programme investigating miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks as potential targets for immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer. The postholder will be expected to design and deliver independent experimental studies, generating robust and high-quality data to support peer-reviewed publications, future funding applications, and dissemination at both internal seminars and national and international scientific meetings.
In addition to research activities, the role will include the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate project students, as well as contributions to the wider academic activities of the School, including teaching, public engagement, and the development of a supportive research culture.
The successful candidate will be embedded within a highly collaborative environment, with access to the Sussex RNA Research Centre and the Sussex Cancer Research Centre, providing opportunities to engage with a broad network of researchers working across RNA biology, cancer biology, and cancer immunology.
About you
The successful candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, with an interest in cancer biology and immunology. You will contribute to the application of advanced molecular and cellular approaches to identify and characterise novel miRNAs involved in tumour immune evasion.
The project will involve the use of CRISPR-based genome editing, the culture and manipulation of cancer cell lines, and a range of in vitro and in vivo experimental techniques. These include, but are not limited to, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, RT–qPCR, and RNA immunoprecipitation. Experience with, or willingness to develop expertise in, these methodologies will be essential.
You should be able to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong organisational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to generate high-quality, reproducible data. Prior experience in RNA biology, cancer research, or immunological assays would be advantageous. A proactive approach to research, together with good communication skills, will be important for contributing effectively to the wider research environment.
About our School
In the School of Life Sciences we strive to understand the mechanisms that drive biological and chemical processes and to develop innovative and diverse approaches to enhance human health, technology and the environment. We undertake multidisciplinary research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of subjects, from Chemistry through Cellular and Molecular Biosciences to Conservation Biology.
The School comprises five Departments: Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution and Chemistry. We also house the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre which works to deliver the bench-to-bedside translation of our discoveries. The breadth and depth of our cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practice is delivered by a diverse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence, engage with real world problems and produce impact.
We pride ourselves on our world-leading research and have a strong research economy, with approximately 50% of our income stemming from research and an active grant portfolio of over £50 million. We host or form part of three University Centres of Excellence: the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sussex Neuroscience and Sussex Sustainability Research Programme. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 90.6 % of our Biological Sciences outputs and 84.8% of our Chemistry outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are proud that in both areas, 100% of our Impact cases were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The School is committed to the University’s core values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage. We believe that equality, diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility and aim to provide a friendly and supportive environment for all who work, study and visit the School of Life Sciences.
Please find further information regarding the School of Life Sciences on our website.
The School of Life Sciences is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award.
Why work here
Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.
Find out more about our reward and benefits package.
Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.
Further Key Information
Please contact Leandro Castellano (l.castellano@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Eligibility
Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.
Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).