Professor / Associate Professor of Cancer Cell Biology CM)

Cancer Sciences (CS) invites applications for an Associate Professor or Professorial-level academic post focused on cancer cell biology. We seek to strengthen our internationally recognized research profile with a candidate who will undertake globally recognized research, attract significant funding, and contribute leadership and education to CS.

CS excels in cancer research from discovery to clinical trials, with strengths in cancer immunology, tumour microenvironment, lymphoid biology, surgery, and clinical informatics. Our success led to the establishment of the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI) in 2018, the first of its kind in the UK. Our translational research benefits from extensive preclinical models and collaborations with biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Strong links across the University enhance discovery through expertise in structural biology, chemistry, imaging, AI, and data science. Our clinical and translational interfaces focus on lymphoid, oesophageal, colorectal, paediatric/neuroblastoma, lung, head and neck, and breast tumours.

Our clinical academics and trialists lead studies to understand cancer biology, working with the CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC), the CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU), and the Clinical Informatics Research Unit (CIRU). Eleven novel biotherapeutics have progressed from our labs to exploratory clinical studies, evidenced by partnerships with biotech companies and the SCTU, which manages a portfolio of 50 early to late-phase cancer clinical trials. Southampton also hosts a Blood Cancer UK Centre of Excellence and a Cure Leukaemia Trials Accelerator Centre focused on lymphoid malignancies.

We aim to enhance our research with expertise in fundamental cancer cell biology, aligned with our research strengths. The ideal candidate will have an international profile in molecular and cellular cancer biology, with proven experience and an interest in our record in cancer immuno-biology and clinical translation.

At Associate Professor level, you should have evidence of:

Spearheading impactful research initiatives by contributing to strategic development, leading externally funded projects and teams, pioneering innovative methodologies, securing funding, disseminating findings through high-profile channels, providing expert advice, and fostering an internationally recognized research profile.Driving strategic direction and excellence across education, enterprise, and leadership by shaping policy, developing innovative programs, managing resources, representing the Institute, mentoring colleagues, and fostering impactful external relationships.

At Professorial level, you should have evidence of:

Sustaining a significant national and international research profile through research excellence, prestigious publications, leadership of major grants/contracts, PhD supervision, managing research staff, advising funding bodies, winning significant grants as PI, overseeing strategic research plans, building external research partnerships, and shaping national and international research agendas.Cultivating national/international recognition in education and enterprise through impactful leadership, strategic initiatives, program development, innovation, and university representation while enhancing the Institute’s profile.

What We Offer: The successful candidate will be supported by senior research leaders in their chosen area. The Southampton General Hospital site offers a collegial research environment with state-of-the-art laboratories and computational facilities. The University's Highfield Campus offers world leading resources in biomedical sciences, chemistry, computer science, and excellent recreational facilities. We are committed to investing in our future and long-term sustainability.

Further information: www.soton.ac.uk.

Enquiries: Professor Jonathan Strefford, Head of School – jcs@soton.ac.uk

Application Procedure You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. Please submit details for 3 referees and include your CV and publication list with your application. 

Closing Date: 30 Jul 2025

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: Associate Professor Level 6 - £59,139 to £73,818. Professor Level 7 - Competitive: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience Full Time Permanent