Job Description
About the Role
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is seeking an ambitious Research Fellow in Laboratory and Computational Systems Biology to lead an innovative, interdisciplinary cancer research project funded by Leukaemia UK.
This role sits at the interface of computational systems biology and experimental laboratory science, with the aim of developing new, more effective approaches to cancer treatment. You will take intellectual leadership of the project, working independently while embedded within a collaborative and growing blood cancer research community.
Your work will involve designing computational models, running simulations, testing predictions experimentally, and translating complex data into meaningful biological insights. You will publish high-quality research outputs and present findings at national and international conferences.
Research Environment & Collaboration
You will be based within the Sussex Blood Cancer Research community and work closely with:
- Laboratory scientists
- Computational biologists
- Clinical academic colleagues
You will also be an active member of the Sussex Cancer Research Centre, which brings together cancer researchers across the University of Sussex and BSMS. This environment offers daily interdisciplinary interaction, access to shared infrastructure, and a strong culture of collaboration between bench science, computation, and clinical insight.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
- Lead an externally funded cancer research project
- Develop and run computational simulations to guide experimental design
- Integrate published datasets with newly generated laboratory data
- Conduct laboratory-based cancer biology research
- Produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications
- Present findings at conferences and research events
- Contribute to the wider research strategy of Sussex cancer research
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated and curious researcher who is excited by the challenge of combining computation and experimentation to tackle complex medical problems.
You will bring:
- Experience in computational biology, systems biology, or coding-based analysis
- Familiarity with cancer biology and molecular signalling
Laboratory experience, including techniques such as:
- Flow cytometry
- Western blotting
- Drug-response assays
Experience with, or willingness to learn:
- Immunofluorescence imaging
- Gene expression analysis
- In vivo experimentation
You will be organised, able to manage multiple experiments simultaneously, and comfortable switching between wet-lab work and computational analysis. Strong communication skills are essential, as you will work across disciplines and engage with both expert and non-expert audiences.
About Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS)
BSMS is a unique partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, working closely with NHS organisations across the South East. We are committed to excellence in medical education, research, and clinical practice — from early translational science through to applied healthcare research.
Our research has a strong reputation for real-world impact, locally, nationally, and internationally. We strive to:
- Improve medical treatments
- Address fundamental biomedical and clinical questions
- Enable more personalised healthcare for patients
- BSMS is proud to hold a Gold Athena Swan Award, reflecting our commitment to gender equality and inclusive working practices.
Why Work With Us?
- A 150-acre campus set beside the South Downs
- Excellent transport links, including Falmer train station on campus
- Dedicated cycling routes and a cycle-to-work scheme
- A supportive, research-led international university environment
- Strong institutional focus on equality, diversity, and wellbeing
At Sussex and BSMS, it’s our people who make the difference. We aim to create a working environment where researchers can thrive, innovate, and make a genuine impact.
- Visa, Right to Work & Employment Information
- All work for this role must be carried out within the UK
- This post meets the salary and SOC code requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, if appointed full-time at Grade 7.4
 Relevant UK Government Information:
Further Information
The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly encouraged from women and Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently underrepresented in STEMM disciplines.
