The position is associated with the laboratory of Professors Ward and Ober. Their interdisciplinary research program is dedicated to the development of novel antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmunity. This research has led to several therapeutics that are currently in advanced clinical trials or approved for clinical use. The group also develops advanced microscopy techniques for the evaluation of novel therapeutics in cellular environments. Their research is supported by major grants from the Welcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and support from collaborating biopharma companies.

The appointee will be highly motivated and excited by the challenges involved in supporting a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of researchers. The appointee’s role will be to provide support with the day-to-day running of the laboratory by providing technical support for the experimental work of post-doctoral fellows, research scientists and graduate students, combined with the ordering and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and supplies. The position holder will be expected to be familiar with biosafety and other regulatory processes and follow these procedures as necessary.

It is essential to have a skill level equivalent to achievement of HNC, A-Level, NVQ3 with proven work experience acquired in relevant technical support roles and job-related training. The role requires the ability to plan and organise your workload, work well under pressure and communicate effectively and professionally with other laboratory members. A scientific knowledge in a biological field equivalent to B.Sc. level is extremely desirable.

The post-holder will possess relevant academic qualifications and work experience as well as good IT skills.

The position is for one year. Availability of funds for a period beyond the one-year timeframe is anticipated.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Sally Ward (e.s.ward@soton.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 14 Jul 2026

Section: Technical & Experimental

Salary: £31,236 to £35,608 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 12 months

You will be joining a highly interdisciplinary project, where we will blend synthetic biology, environmental engineering, and biotechnology to develop disruptive solutions to major environmental challenges. Experience with advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. There will be a particular focus on developing approaches to harness bacterial community behaviours like biofilm formation to better tackle environmental pollutants such as waste plastics. Our aim is to leverage cutting-edge advancements in synthetic biology and biofilm engineering to develop innovative strategies for bioremediation, with a key focus on scalable solutions that can be readily adopted by the waste and water sectors. 

This fast-paced project will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop new skills by working closely with our interdisciplinary team and build their international profile including through research visits to academic collaborators and working with SMEs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and efficient data generation, data management, collation and the reporting of results to the project lead. The post-holder will need to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organisational, team working and communication skills and have a keen interest in drafting research outputs for peer-review publication. The successful applicant will work closely with other researchers within the McCarthy Lab and with other EBIC partners. There will also be opportunities to explore the commercial 

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline. Experience and knowledge in the field of biofilm formation is essential. Experience in some or all of the following: advanced cloning systems, CRISPR tools, metagenomic mining and the use of different biofilm imaging platforms is highly desirable. They should be enthusiastic, well motivated and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. This position is available for 32 months. Please include one paper or preprint that illustrates research skills that are relevant to this project. 

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

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Closing Date: 30 Jun 2026

Section: Technical & Experimental

Salary: £36,636 to £41,064 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 01/06/2029

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join an exciting translational oncology programme focused on improving precision approaches to cancer treatment.

Working within a multidisciplinary research environment, the successful candidate will support laboratory and translational activities underpinning an innovative cancer research programme with strong clinical relevance.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with researchers and clinicians involved in advanced cancer biology, experimental therapeutics, and translational research. The postholder will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of experimental systems, processing of clinical samples, and generation of high-quality research data to support programme development.

The position is ideally suited to an individual who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, thrives in collaborative environments, and is interested in contributing to clinically impactful research.

The Role

The Research Technician will support the day-to-day laboratory and technical activities of the programme, including:

• processing and handling clinical research samples
• establishing and maintaining experimental cell culture systems
• supporting functional laboratory assays and data generation
• maintaining accurate laboratory records and sample tracking systems
• contributing to optimisation and standardisation of laboratory workflows
• assisting with laboratory organisation, stock management, and equipment maintenance
• supporting compliance with health and safety and research governance procedures

The role will involve close interaction with researchers, clinicians, and laboratory staff across the wider translational research team.

 What we are looking for

We are looking for an organised and enthusiastic individual with strong technical skills and attention to detail.

Essential:

• Vocational qualification, A-levels, HNC/NVQ3, or equivalent laboratory experience 
• Practical experience in laboratory techniques, particularly mammalian cell culture 
• Ability to follow established protocols accurately and consistently 
• Experience maintaining organised experimental records 
• Good organisational and communication skills 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality laboratory practice 

Desirable:

• Degree in a biological or biomedical science discipline 
• Experience working with primary biological samples or translational research material 
• Familiarity with molecular or cellular biology techniques 
• Experience in cancer, biomedical, or translational research environments 
• Experience with flow cytometry, imaging, or related laboratory techniques 
• Experience using databases, spreadsheets, and laboratory data systems

The Environment

The successful candidate will join a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment spanning:

• translational cancer biology 
• clinical oncology and surgery 
• molecular profiling and computational analysis 

The programme provides access to established infrastructure, and strong translational support and opportunities to contribute to clinically relevant research activities.

Why this role is different

This is an opportunity to contribute to a translational research programme designed to bridge laboratory science and future clinical application.

Rather than supporting isolated experiments, the successful candidate will become part of a collaborative effort focused on developing research approaches with clear potential clinical impact.

The role offers excellent experience for individuals interested in:

• translational cancer research 
• advanced laboratory techniques 
• clinically aligned biomedical science 
• future progression within research or technical specialist careers

Informal enquiries

For informal discussion of the role, please contact the Innovation for Translation Research Group leads:

Professor Zoë Walters (Z.S.Walters@soton.ac.uk)
Professor Tim Underwood (T.J.Underwood@soton.ac.uk)

Closing Date: 29 Jun 2026

Section: Technical & Experimental

Salary: £31,236 to £33,951 Pro rata per annum
Part Time Fixed Term - 17.5 hours a week until 31/08/2029