Job summary
- Main area
- Gastrointestinal Unit
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 5
- Contract
- 12 months (Fixed term)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 282-CR1638
- Employer
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea
- Town
- Chelsea
- Salary
- £38,488 - £46,852 Per Annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 13/07/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Pre-Doctoral Scientist (Upper GI Surg Oncology - Early Diagnostics)
NHS AfC: Band 5
Job overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Pre-Doctoral Scientist to join a translational surgical oncology research programme focused on the development of early diagnostic approaches for oesophageal and gastric cancers.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of laboratory science and clinical practice, contributing to research aimed at improving early detection and outcomes for patients with cancer. The successful candidate will gain experience across both academic and hospital settings, including exposure to clinical sample collection and biobanking processes.
Main duties of the job
During this pre- doctoral scientist fellowship it is expected that the appointee will conduct their own independent original research leading to several national or international presentations and peer- reviewed publications. There will be opportunity to develop translational research
skills, particularly in early cancer diagnosis. Science writing skills and critical thinking will be developed further.
Working for our organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification:
- Support laboratory-based research investigating biomarkers and early diagnostic strategies for oesophageal and gastric cancer.
- Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, immunoassays, tissue dissection under supervision, where appropriate).
- Assist in the processing, storage, and documentation of clinical samples.
- Contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research findings.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with regulatory and governance standards.
- Work collaboratively with clinicians, surgeons, and research staff.
- Participate in laboratory meetings and research discussions.
- Support the preparation, under supervision, of reports, abstracts, manuscripts and grant applications.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Oncology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, or related field)
- Previous laboratory experience (e.g., MSc research project, internship, or research assistant role)
- Familiarity with core laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, immunoassays and basic cell biology techniques)
Desirable criteria
- Exposure to translational research or biomarker discovery
- Experience handling human tissue samples or working under regulatory frameworks (e.g., HTA, GCP)
Experience
Essential criteria
- Strong interest in oncology and early cancer detection research
- Motivation to pursue an academic career
- High level of professionalism when working in clinical settings
Skills / knowledge
Essential criteria
- Ability to use initiative to highlight potential problems/issues and to implement successful solutions
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sacheen Kumar
- Job title
- Consultant Upper GI Surgeon
- Email address
- [email protected]
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