The Cancer Signaling and Therapeutics Lab (), led by Group Leader Dr Pau Creixell, is part of the University of Cambridge - Cambridge Institute (CI) (), the world class institute situated on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, UK, and created by a collaboration between Cancer Research UK, Europe's top cancer charity, with the University of Cambridge.
A postdoctoral position is currently available in our lab for a highly talented and motivated individual interested in developing and using our technologies, particularly peptide display, to screen tyrosine and serine protein kinases with the aim to eventually target them better. The aim would be to use the peptides as a template of how to target these kinases using small molecules. Our lab is currently developing technology that allows the screening and computational interpretation of combinatorially complete libraries of mutant protein variants. We are interested in further developing and deploying these technologies in applications ranging from signaling and therapeutics. This position is funded through the Brain Tumour Charity and is in collaboration with Professor Bill Weiss (UCSF) and Professor Kevan Shokat (UCSF) who will collaborate with their expertise in the follow-on stage of the initial peptide screening.
Applicants must have received (or be about to receive) a PhD in protein biochemistry or similar field and must have published at least one first-author research article (papers in submission or on BioRxiv are also acceptable). Expertise in molecular biology, protein crystallography, computational biology/machine learning would be advantageous. An ability to work independently while taking feedback from others and interact well in a multi-disciplinary team environment is required.
Applicants who wish to be considered for this position must also display an ability to undertake project management, method development, data collection and analysis, as they join a collaborative and highly motivated team of researchers in a top ranked university and research institute. You must also have excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to develop innovative experimental/computational approaches to answer research questions, and thrive both in independent research and while working collaboratively as part of a team. Ideally you have demonstrated creative and independent work in your area of expertise. Strong presentation skills are also required as is the ability to strongly represent our lab and institute when presenting and attending internal and external meetings and conferences.
As part of joining our lab, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to contribute and get experience in the development of the group, mentoring in grant writing, as well as driving and being directly involved in multiple projects and research articles. While this position is fully funded, successful postdoctoral candidates who have previously joined our lab have successfully competed for and obtained their own postdoctoral fellowships (e.g., Marie Curie, Human Frontiers, EMBO, etc.) and, with our guidance and assistance, you will be expected to be competitive for, and write applications to, such fellowships.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
