Research Fellow in Biochemistry & Biomedicine(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Join a Cutting-Edge Cancer Research Project

We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Research Fellow to lead a prestigious 3-year Cancer Research UK-funded project investigating:

“Detecting and targeting translation inhibitor sensitive RUNX1 mutations in chronic myeloid leukaemia.”

This is an exciting opportunity to take intellectual ownership of a translational research programme that bridges laboratory science and clinical application.

You will be based in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedicine at the University of Sussex and will work closely with:

• Dr Rhys Morgan (School of Life Sciences)
• Dr David Palmer (University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust)

You will also become part of the wider Sussex Blood Cancer Research Network, collaborating across the Sussex Cancer Research Centre and the Sussex RNA Biology Centre.

What You Will Be Doing

This is a laboratory-intensive role with significant independence. You will:

• Design, execute, and analyse experimental studies in molecular and cellular cancer biology
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data suitable for peer-reviewed publications
• Present findings at internal seminars and national/international conferences
• Contribute to grant writing for future funding applications
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate project students
• Support teaching, public engagement, and positive research culture initiatives

You will also undertake short research visits to collaborators at the Universities of Glasgow and Nottingham to complete specific experimental work.

The Skills and Experience We’re Looking For

This role would suit a researcher with strong laboratory expertise and the confidence to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Essential Practical Experience

You should have hands-on experience in several of the following areas:

• Cellular Techniques
• Myeloid cell line culture
• Primary patient sample handling
• Stem cell culture systems
• Genetic Approaches
• RNA interference (RNAi)
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
• Transfection and transduction methods

Molecular & Analytical Methods

• Flow cytometry
• Immunoblotting
• RT-qPCR
• RNA immunoprecipitation
• Experience working with in vitro and in vivo models will be advantageous.

Additional Expectations

• Competence in basic bioinformatic analyses
• Ability to manage multiple experiments simultaneously
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Clear communication skills for scientific and non-specialist audiences
• Resilience and problem-solving ability when experiments do not go as planned
• We are looking for someone curious, proactive, and driven to develop innovative experimental approaches.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at Sussex brings together expertise across:

• Biochemistry & Biomedicine
• Genome Damage & Stability
• Neuroscience
• Ecology & Evolution
• Chemistry

We are proud of our strong research performance:

• Over £50 million in active grant funding
• More than 90% of Biological Sciences outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
• Silver Athena Swan Award holder
• Our research community works across disciplines to tackle real-world challenges, with strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and impact.

Why Sussex?

Our 150-acre campus sits beside the South Downs National Park and is well connected via:

• Falmer train station (5-minute walk to campus)
• On-campus bus stops
• Dedicated cycling routes and cycle-to-work scheme
• We are a research-intensive, internationally recognised university, and our strength lies in the people who work here.

We are committed to:

• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Kindness and integrity
• Collegial collaboration
• Creating a supportive research culture

Eligibility & Sponsorship Information

This role:

• Meets the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship if appointed full-time at Grade 7.4
• May require ATAS clearance depending on visa circumstances
• Requires work to be undertaken within the UK

For official government guidance, please refer to:

Skilled Worker Visa – UK Government

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Guidance

Right to Work in the UK

UK Visas and Immigration Overview

Working in the UK – GOV.UK

Key Dates

• Closing Date: 8 March 2026
• Expected Start Date: May 2026
• Contract End Date: 30 April 2029
• Interview Date: To be confirmed