Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Centre for Tumour Biology within the Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) at Queen Mary University of London is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. Nekisa Zakeri’s laboratory. This Wellcome Trust-funded research project utilizes advanced 3D patient-derived models to develop innovative gamma delta T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies for liver cancer and to thoroughly investigate the liver tumour microenvironment.

Depending on the candidate’s specific scientific expertise, the research scope may also extend to in vivo murine models.

The appointed postholder will gain valuable leadership and collaborative experience through opportunities to assist in the co-supervision of MSc and PhD students, as well as collaborating closely with academic and clinical partner research centres across London and beyond.

About the Institute and University:
The Barts Cancer Institute is a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence and one of six institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London. BCI combines fundamental basic science with clinical expertise from the Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine and the Barts Health NHS Trust. It is also a key partner in the CRUK City of London Major Centre—a Centre of Excellence in Biotherapeutics alongside UCL, King’s College London, and the Francis Crick Institute.

Queen Mary University of London offers access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave (pro-rata for fixed-term roles), season ticket loan schemes, flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and comprehensive personal and professional development opportunities.

• Holds a PhD (or is close to completion) in Cancer Immunology or a closely related biological/biomedical discipline.
• Demonstrated track record in health, cancer biology, or immunology research.
• Commitment to inclusive research practices and collaborative academic initiatives.

• Expertise in tissue-derived 3D modelling approaches, including organoid culture and/or tissue slice models.
• Direct experience with immune cell co-cultures, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy techniques.
• Strong research management, organizational, and technical execution skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a collaborative team approach.
• Experience in animal research (in vivo murine models) is desirable.

Salary details: £38,419 to £46,618 per annum (Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract)

Final date to receive applications:
September 1, 2026