Job and Study Opportunities

Postdoctoral Research Associate in NeuroOncology

Postdoctoral position

Application deadline: 22 Oct 2026

Institute: Queen Mary Univeristy of London
Country: United Kingdom
More information: https://qmul-jobs.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/appcentre-ext/brand-4/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/11201-Postdoctoral-Research-Associate/en-GB

The Nicholson Lab at Queen Mary University of London is establishing an ambitious research programme focused on understanding how epigenetic heterogeneity drives treatment resistance and recurrence in glioblastoma. Our central hypothesis is that heritable epigenetic subpopulations (“epi-clones”), defined by distinct DNA methylation states, are selected during treatment and contribute to tumour regrowth. We combine patient-derived glioblastoma models, cerebral organoid co-cultures, therapeutic perturbation and single-cell genomic approaches to understand these processes and identify new therapeutic strategies.

The laboratory is embedded within the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the Blizard Institute, providing a highly collaborative and translational environment spanning basic science, computational biology and clinical neuro-oncology, with access to patient-derived models, clinically annotated tumour samples and advanced single-cell technologies.

The role:
The successful candidate will lead the experimental component of a programme investigating epi-clonal evolution during temozolomide and radiotherapy. They will use patient-derived glioma-initiating cells and cerebral organoid models to generate single-cell DNA methylation and transcriptomic datasets and functionally evaluate strategies targeting treatment-resistant states.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong mammalian cell-culture and molecular biology experience. Experience with cancer models, organoid culture and/or next-generation sequencing library preparation is desirable. Previous experience in glioblastoma, single-cell genomics or computational biology is not essential, and training and support in these areas will be provided.

Why join us?:
As the first postdoctoral researcher in a newly established laboratory, the successful candidate will have substantial intellectual ownership of the project and the opportunity to help shape the scientific direction, experimental platforms and culture of the group.

The **42-month appointment** provides unusual continuity for a postdoctoral position and the time and resources to develop a substantial body of work spanning experimental model development, single-cell discovery and therapeutic validation. The programme is supported by established patient-derived models, preliminary data, dedicated sequencing resources and extensive clinical and scientific collaborations.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Dr James Nicholson and will be supported in developing a distinctive experimental–computational profile, leading first-author publications, supervising students, presenting internationally and preparing fellowship or independent funding applications. The position would particularly suit an ambitious researcher seeking substantial project ownership and a strong platform from which to progress towards research independence.

International applicants:
International applications are very welcome. Queen Mary University of London supports a range of visa routes for successful candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.