Research Fellow in Laboratory and Computational Systems Biology Cancer Research(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Shape the Future of Blood Cancer Research

An exciting opportunity has opened at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) for a Research Fellow who thrives at the intersection of computational modelling and laboratory-based cancer biology.

This role sits within a dynamic and expanding blood cancer research team and is funded by Leukaemia UK. You will take intellectual ownership of a multi-year interdisciplinary project designed to transform our understanding — and ultimately treatment — of blood cancers.

You won’t just analyse data or run experiments. You will bridge two worlds: generating computational predictions and validating them through hands-on laboratory science.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead an independently driven research programme combining systems biology modelling with laboratory validation.
• Integrate published datasets with newly generated experimental findings.
• Conduct computational simulations to explore cancer signalling pathways.

Design and perform laboratory experiments, including:

• Flow cytometry
• Western blotting
• Drug-response assays
• Gene expression studies
• Immunofluorescence imaging
• Potential in vivo models (training available if required)
• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research nationally and internationally.
• Collaborate daily with clinicians, laboratory scientists, and computational biologists.
• You will also be embedded within the wider Sussex Cancer Research Centre, engaging with cancer researchers across the region.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking researcher who:

• Holds (or is near completion of) a PhD in a relevant biomedical, computational, or systems biology discipline.
• Has experience running computational simulations or coding (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Understands molecular cancer biology and laboratory techniques.
• Can manage multiple experiments while performing computational analyses between laboratory phases.
• Communicates complex ideas clearly across disciplines — from clinicians to computational scientists to non-specialist audiences.

A willingness to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries is essential. We are especially interested in candidates motivated to pioneer new, integrative approaches to treating cancer.

About BSMS

Brighton and Sussex Medical School is a collaborative partnership between the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, working closely with NHS organisations across South-East England.

Our research spans early translational discovery through to applied clinical science. We are proud to hold a Gold Athena Swan Award and are committed to fostering inclusive excellence in research and education.

Our mission is clear:

• Improve medical treatment
• Answer fundamental biomedical and clinical questions
• Advance personalised healthcare

Working at Sussex

Our 150-acre campus sits beside the South Downs and offers excellent transport links, including Falmer train station just minutes away.

The University of Sussex is internationally recognised for research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our strength lies in our people — diverse, skilled, and committed to impact-driven research.

We actively encourage applications from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in STEMM academic roles.

Visa Sponsorship & Eligibility

This position is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship (subject to appointment at Grade 7.4 and full-time salary requirements).

Applicants requiring sponsorship may find the following official UK Government resources helpful:

• Skilled Worker visa overview
• Visa eligibility and salary threshold
• Points-based immigration system guidance
• Right to work in the UK guidance
• Switching to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK

Please note: All work must be performed within the UK.