Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field, with many new and in-development therapies, including immunomodulatory biologics as well as genetic and cell therapies. Many therapeutic concepts require controlling the activation of T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells that are key to the body’s natural defences against cancer. There is a critical need for biomaterials and nanotechnology approaches that can control and direct immune cell activation and differentiation, to contribute to cancer therapies.
Dr Dunlop’s lab takes a biophysical approach to designing cell-stimulating biomaterials. In particular, we are interested in how cell surface nanostructure can impact the immune response. We have shown that T cell and NK cell activation can be directly controlled by nanostructure, and that the potency of NK cell activating molecules can be enhanced by applying them as a nanocluster rather than individual molecules. Now we are aiming to exploit these insights to develop nanoparticle-based therapeutics that can enhance the potency of current molecular reagents, and direct immune cell expansion and differentiation. Critically we are partnering closely with Dan Davis’s lab, whose insights into the natural nano-biology and signalling of immune cells will underpin our nano-therapeutic design. This partnership also offers a link into translational work, and we have clinical partnerships in place.
Duties and responsibilities Key Responsibilities
Research Duties:
Design, synthesize and characterize biofunctional nanomaterials for immunomodulation in pursuit of the project goals.
Perform assays of immune cell responses to stimulation by biofunctional nanomaterials.
Undertake training to learn and apply additional techniques as required.
Take responsibility where required for all aspects of the scientific process, including experimental design, data analysis and writing for publication.
Liaise closely and continually with the Davis group, and with collaborators as required.
Attend progress and management meetings, and share materials and data on a timely basis.
Actively participate in our research group and work well with researchers and students.
Work with colleagues to maintain and enhance facilities and the laboratory environment.
Participate in the mentoring of PhD and Masters research students by agreement.
Essential requirements
Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following:
Hold a PhD or equivalent degree in biomaterials, nanomaterials, biophysics, bioengineering or a closely related field A relevant academic background in a discipline such as (bio)materials, bioengineering, biophysics or a relevant aspect of chemistry or chemical engineering. Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals Creative approach to problem solving, must demonstrate a passion and drive to develop new scientific concepts. Further information Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £36,694- £39,888 per annum.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Iain Dunlop, [email protected]
Further guidance may be sought from Mrs Darakshan Khan ([email protected]).
For technical issues, please contact: [email protected]
Documents Research Associate in Design of Nanomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy.pdf