Research Job at University of Bristol, UK | Cancer Biology | Earn Up to £45,641

Research Job at University of Bristol, UK | Cancer Biology | Earn Up to £45,641

Could changing how cancer cells splice their RNA help develop new treatments for childhood cancer? This Research Job at the University of Bristol explores that possibility using targeted antisense oligonucleotides. The full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position focuses on cancer biology and offers an opportunity for researchers with advanced laboratory skills and experience in proteomics and transcriptomics bioinformatics.

• Position: Research Associate in Cancer Biology
• Location: Bristol, UK
• School: School of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences
• Research Area: Cancer Biology and mRNA Splicing

About The University and Research Team

The position is based in the University of Bristol’s School of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. The research project is funded by the Little Princess Trust/Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group through its “New Ideas” funding scheme.

Research Job Description

The selected researcher will contribute to the project “Using splice-switching oligonucleotides for cancer therapeutics.” It builds on recently published work demonstrating the spliceosomal vulnerability of neuroblastoma.

The project will investigate whether altering specific mRNA splicing events can selectively kill cancer cells or make them more sensitive to chemotherapy. The researcher will use targeted antisense oligonucleotides to alter splicing in selected genes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, analyze, and present the project’s experiments.
• Apply knowledge of gene regulation, particularly post-transcriptional regulation through mRNA splicing.
• Use targeted antisense oligonucleotides to investigate selected genes.
• Perform molecular, biochemical, and cell biology experiments.
• Apply bioinformatic analyses where required.
• Demonstrate initiative and take responsibility for progressing the experimental work.

Educational Requirements and Eligibility

• Hold a relevant PhD, or expect to be awarded one very soon.
• Have a strong understanding of gene regulation, particularly regulation through post-transcriptional mRNA splicing.
• Demonstrate motivation to contribute to childhood cancer research.

Skills and Qualifications

Applicants should possess high-level practical skills in:

• Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
• RNA immunoprecipitation and co-immunoprecipitation.
• qPCR and alternative splicing analysis.
• Western blotting and tissue culture.
• Confocal microscopy and immunocytochemistry.
• Flow cytometry.

Candidates should also have hands-on bioinformatics experience in proteomics and transcriptomics, alongside the ability to independently plan, analyze, and present experiments.

Salary

The salary is £40,704–£45,641 per annum, Grade I. Additional benefits are not specified in the supplied posting.

Application Details

• Application Deadline: November 16, 2026, at 23:59 UK time.
• Contract Duration: Fixed-term, up to 12 months.
• Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week.
• Informal Enquiries: Professor Karim Malik, Professor of Molecular Oncology — [email protected] | +44 (0)117-4550106.

Interested in investigating RNA splicing as a potential route to childhood cancer treatment? This Research Job at the University of Bristol combines molecular experiments with bioinformatics to explore splice-switching oligonucleotides. If your doctoral background and practical skills match the requirements, prepare your application before November 16, 2026.

APPLY ONLINE HERE