Postdoctoral Research Fellow I in Exploiting Chromatin Defects to Detect and Target Cancer Ref 21322

School/department: School of Life Sciences / Genome Damage and Stability Centre    
Hours: Full-time or part-time hours considered up to a maximum of 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours). Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Contract: Fixed Term for three years
Reference: 21322
Salary: Research Fellow I starting at £37,099 to £44,263 per annum, pro rata if part-time.
Placed on:  01 August 2023.
Closing date: 28 August 2023. Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.
Expected Interview date: To be confirmed.
Expected start date: October 2023


Job description

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex is at the forefront of research in the UK. In the recent Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2021), 100% of our Impact cases in Biological Sciences and Chemistry were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The School has received substantial recent University investment and is embarking on an exciting and extensive, muti-million pound refurbishment and improvement project.

Based in the School of Life Sciences, the Genome Damage and Stability Centre  (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/gdsc/), is an internationally renowned Institute carrying out research on the response of cells to DNA damage, genome instability and its relationship to disease. We provide a stimulating and supportive environment and our expertise covers a range of experimental systems.

Exploiting chromatin defects to detect and target cancer

Motivated applicants are invited to apply for an MRC-funded three year full-time postdoctoral research position within the Humphrey lab at the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex. We are exploring the relationship between the DNA damage response and chromatin modifications within transcribed genes and how loss of related chromatin modifiers can be exploited to detect and target cancer. The successful candidate will be expected to work both independently and as part of a team; to have regular meetings with their supervisor; to discuss their work at regular lab meetings; to present their work nationally/ internationally, and to publish their results in a timely manner.    

Required qualifications for this position:

  • Hold (or be near to completing) a PhD in a related subject.
  • First author publication(s) in a reputable journal.
  • Fluent in written /spoken English with excellent writing skills.
  • Expertise in relevant techniques.
  • Commitment to work in a highly competitive field.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Potential candidates are strongly encouraged to make informal contact with Prof. Timothy Humphrey (timothy.humphrey@sussex.ac.uk) before applying.

The School of Life Sciences is committed to increasing the diversity of its staff and providing an inclusive working environment. The School currently holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, has developed a Race Equity Action Plan and hosts an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working group.

Applications are particularly welcomed from Black and minority ethnic candidates, and women, trans and non-binary candidates, who are under-represented in the School of Life Sciences.

Applications to posts from candidates who wish to work part-time or as job-sharers are welcome.

The University offers various schemes to provide real benefits to parents, these can be found at Family Friendly Policies

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy,  Inclusive Sussex, on our webpages.

Download job description and person specification 21322 [PDF 119.31KB]

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK. 

Visa Sponsorship Queries:

"This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page  for further information about Visa Sponsorship."


How to apply

Download our academic application form and Personal Details and Equal Opportunities Form and fill in all sections.

Email your completed application, and personal details and equal opportunities form, to jobapps@sussex.ac.uk

You should attach your application form and all documents to the email in PDF format (we are unable to accept applications as google.docs or .pages) and use the format job reference number / job title / your name in the subject line.

You can also send your application by post to Human Resources Division, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH.


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