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

Job Description

Overview of the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated Research Fellow to lead an ambitious interdisciplinary cancer research project that bridges computational systems biology and experimental laboratory science.

Funded by Leukaemia UK, the project focuses on developing innovative approaches to cancer treatment by integrating predictive computational modelling with experimental validation. You will take ownership of the project, working independently while collaborating closely with laboratory scientists, computational biologists, and clinical academic partners.

The role offers the chance to produce high-impact publications, present findings at national and international conferences, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of personalised cancer therapies.

What You Will Do

• Lead an externally funded research project from concept through to delivery
• Design and run computational models and simulations to explore cancer biology
• Test computational predictions through laboratory-based experimentation
• Integrate newly generated data with existing published datasets
• Produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications and research outputs
• Present research findings to academic, clinical, and non-specialist audiences
• Work collaboratively within Sussex Blood Cancer Research and the Sussex Cancer Research Centre
• Engage in daily interdisciplinary collaboration across laboratory, computational, and clinical teams

About You

You will be an ambitious and highly driven researcher with a passion for tackling complex challenges in cancer biology through interdisciplinary methods.

You will bring experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, coding, or mathematical modelling, or demonstrate strong motivation to further develop these skills. You will be comfortable applying computational approaches to biological questions and integrating data from diverse sources.

Alongside this, you will have hands-on experience with key laboratory techniques relevant to cancer research, such as:

• Flow cytometry
• Western blotting
• Drug-response and viability assays

Experience with, or a willingness to learn, additional methods such as immunofluorescence imaging, gene expression analysis, and in vivo experimentation is highly desirable.

You will be well organised and able to balance laboratory experimentation with computational analysis, managing multiple workflows simultaneously. Strong communication skills are essential, as you will work across disciplines and explain complex concepts to varied audiences.

About Brighton and Sussex Medical School

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

BSMS is committed to excellence in medical education, clinical practice, and research, spanning early-stage discovery through to applied and translational science. Our staff work in diverse, multidisciplinary teams within a supportive and inclusive environment that enables both professional growth and research impact.

The School has developed a strong reputation for research that delivers tangible benefits locally, nationally, and internationally, with a clear focus on:

• Improving medical treatments
• Addressing fundamental biomedical and clinical questions
• Advancing personalised healthcare
• BSMS proudly holds a Gold Athena Swan Award, recognising its commitment to gender equality and inclusive working practices.

Why Join the University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is a leading, research-intensive international university set within a stunning 150-acre campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park.

The campus is easily accessible by public transport, with Falmer railway station just a five-minute walk away, frequent bus routes, and extensive cycling infrastructure supported by a Cycle to Work scheme.

At Sussex, people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether in research, teaching, or professional services, our staff are supported to thrive within a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative academic community.

Explore more about:

• Reward and benefits
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Visa and Right to Work Information

All work must be undertaken in the UK. This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship when appointed full-time at Grade 7.4.

Further details are available on the University’s Skilled Worker Visa information page.

Useful UK Government Resources (External Links)

The following official UK government guidance may be helpful to prospective applicants:

• Skilled Worker Visa – Overview and Eligibility
• Right to Work Checks in the UK
• Research and Innovation Funding Landscape (UKRI)
• UK GDPR and Data Protection in Research
• Working in the UK – Immigration Rules Guidance

Further Information and Enquiries

For informal discussions about the role, please contact:
Dr Simon Mitchell – S.A.Mitchell@bsms.ac.uk

The University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in STEMM academic roles at Sussex.