Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview of the Role

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in molecular biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Survival rates have improved dramatically in recent years due to improved patient stratification but for patients who relapse, the mortality rate remains high. We have discovered a novel set of biomarkers that are present at high levels at diagnosis in patients who subsequently relapse (Gao et al., Nature 2025). This project will develop and validate an assay to detect these novel biomarkers so the assay is suitable for use in diagnostics labs. It will furthermore involve work with clinical geneticists and clinicians to integrate this assay with current genetic markers and clinical practices. A strong command of statistics and multi-centre collaborations is therefore required. Successful development of these novel biomarkers will enable patients at risk of relapse to be identified sooner and offered targeted treatments, which may ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes for both paediatric and adult ALL patients.

What we offer in return 

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Joan Boyes, Associate Professor

Email: j.boyes2@leeds.ac.uk