Scientist / Senior Scientist - Functional Genomics
Salary: Scientist £33,700 – 38,150 or Senior Scientist £41,700 - £46,500 per annum (dependent on experience) plus benefits (includes up to 12% pension contribution and income protection)
Reports to: Principal Scientist
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Cambridge, UK, joint AstraZeneca - CRUK Functional Genomics Centre, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AA
Closing date: 3 July 2025 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy (conditions apply). If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.
Recruitment process: Initial Teams call followed by in person interview in Cambridge that will include competency, technical and presentation assessment
Interview date: W/C 14TH July (1st stage) + W/C 23 July (2nd stage)
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
Cancer Research Horizons, are looking for a skilled research scientist or senior scientist (grade dependent upon experience) to join the Joint AstraZeneca-Cancer Research Horizons Functional Genomics Centre based in Cambridge
About Cancer Research Horizons
As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we’ve helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster.
We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UK’s established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK’s world-class academic network, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success.
About the Functional Genomics Team.
The Joint AstraZeneca-Cancer Research Horizons Functional Genomics Centre (FGC), launched in 2019, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to unlocking the full potential of functional genomics for novel cancer therapeutics. As a centre of excellence, the FGC specialises in advanced functional genomics screening technologies, sophisticated cancer models, and computational approaches for 'big data' analysis. You will be joining a dynamic and diverse team under the leadership of David Walter.
In this lab based role you will be responsible for the execution and delivery of pooled CRISPR screening. You will also design, develop and implement the generation of Cas9 expressing cell lines, production of pooled lentivirus libraries, optimisation of screening conditions and the preparation of samples for NGS
Depending on your grade you will be:
Lead and execute high-impact CRISPR-based projects (in vitro and in vivo) to support oncology target identification and validation.
Design and perform pooled CRISPR screens using Cas9-expressing cell lines and lentiviral libraries; optimize screening workflows and prepare samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Develop and implement robust experimental plans in alignment with project objectives and timelines.
Contribute to the strategic evolution of our functional genomics platforms by integrating the latest technologies (e.g. Base editing, combinatorial screening tools, CrisprA etc.)
Collaborate cross-functionally to support drug discovery initiatives.
Advance platform capabilities by working with complex biological models (e.g., primary cells, 3D models, in vivo systems).
Apply a deep understanding of molecular biology to design and conduct functional genomic screens with complex outputs (e.g. Perturb-seq).
To be considered for this role we would like to see
A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
Strong background in advanced molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR gene editing, FACS, and lentiviral vector design.
A strong foundation in translational oncology research.Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Familiarity with NGS workflows and basic data interpretation.
Capacity to troubleshoot experiments, contribute to project design, and adapt to evolving priorities.
Proficiency in bioinformatics tools (e.g., DepMap, Ensembl, STRING) is advantageous.
To be considered for the Senior Scientist grade we would also need to see
Experience with complex cell systems and/or in vivo models. Experience in working with disease relevant cellular models such as 3D models and/or primary immune cells would be desirable.
Proven track record of independently driving and delivering translational research projects.
Proven track record in translational oncology research ideally in a drug discovery setting
Prior experience with CRISPR screens, especially for target discovery/validation
Exposure to cutting-edge techniques such as base editing, CRISPR activation, perturb-seq, combinatorial or in vivo screening
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Yearly based
CRUK-AZ Functional Genomic Centre,United Kingdom
CRUK-AZ Functional Genomic Centre,United Kingdom
