Job Description
About the Role
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) invites applications for a Research Fellow in Laboratory and Computational Systems Biology, focusing on cancer research. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead an interdisciplinary project funded by Leukaemia UK, combining computational modeling with experimental laboratory work to advance treatments for blood cancers.
You will design, implement, and oversee experiments, integrate computational simulations with laboratory data, and contribute high-quality research outputs for peer-reviewed publications. The role also involves presenting findings at national and international conferences and contributing to the wider research agenda in cancer systems biology.
You will be part of Sussex Blood Cancer Research, collaborating with clinical academics, laboratory scientists, and computational biologists, while being embedded within the broader Sussex Cancer Research Centre. Daily activities will include running computer simulations, designing lab experiments, and testing hypotheses in vitro and in vivo.
Key Responsibilities
As a Research Fellow, your main duties will include:
- Leading research in computational systems biology and laboratory experiments to understand cancer mechanisms.
- Designing, executing, and interpreting laboratory assays, including flow cytometry, Western blotting, drug-response assays, and other molecular biology techniques.
- Running computational models, integrating public datasets with experimental results, and developing predictions for lab validation.
- Preparing manuscripts, contributing to grant applications, and presenting research at conferences.
- Supervising and collaborating with students, lab technicians, and other researchers.
- Contributing to the strategic development of the Sussex Cancer Research Centre projects.
- UK Research and Innovation guidance on research fellowships
About You
The ideal candidate will be:
- Highly motivated and ambitious, eager to combine computational and laboratory skills to tackle complex cancer research questions.
- Experienced in coding and computational biology simulations relevant to biomedical research.
- Familiar with cancer biology experimental techniques, or willing to learn advanced molecular and cellular methods.
- Able to manage multiple experiments, analyse data computationally, and communicate findings clearly across disciplines.
- A strong collaborator with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- National Health Service guidance on clinical research careers
About BSMS
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is a partnership between the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, and NHS organisations across the South-East. BSMS is dedicated to excellence in medical research, education, and clinical training, offering a supportive, inclusive, and innovative environment.
The School promotes interdisciplinary research in areas such as cancer biology, translational medicine, and personalised healthcare, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. BSMS has achieved a Gold Athena SWAN award, recognising gender equality and diversity in STEMM disciplines.
- BSMS Research Centres
- University of Sussex – STEMM Equality & Diversity
Benefits & Working Environment
- Access to a generous research budget and training support.
- Flexible working options, subject to business needs.
- Beautiful campus near the South Downs, with easy access via public transport
and cycling paths. - Cycle-to-Work scheme and excellent staff facilities.
- Support for career development, conferences, and mentorship.
- UK Government guidance on working in the UK
Eligibility & Visa Sponsorship
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
- This role meets the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for full-time appointments at Grade 7.
- International candidates may need ATAS clearance.
- UK Visas and Immigration – Skilled Worker Guidance
- Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
How to Apply
Applications are particularly encouraged from women and black or minority ethnic candidates, underrepresented in academic STEMM roles.