Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Tumour and Host Metabolism Laboratory

Salary for this Role:

From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Job Title:  Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Tumour and Host Metabolism Laboratory

Details of the role:

Reporting to: Karen Vousden – Principal Group Leader

Working pattern: This is a full-time, 2 year fixed term position on Crick terms and conditions of employment

Salary: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date:  28th of August 2026 at 23.59pm

About us 

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

The Research Lab

We are looking for a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist position to join the Vousden Lab - Tumour and Host Metabolism Laboratory for two years.

We focus on how changes in metabolism affect cancer development and progression. We also investigate how cancer affects the whole body, including the influence of primary tumours on distant organs and the interplay between cancers and systemic conditions such as obesity, cachexia and aging.

Click here for more information on the Vousden lab

About the role

You will support several projects aimed at understanding the role of metabolism in controlling various aspects of cancer cell behaviour, such as the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), epithelial to mesenchymal transition and cancer/host cell interactions.

This post will be an exciting opportunity to be part of a research group that is focused on investigating how metabolism affects tumour development using various in vitro and in vivo techniques. Projects in the laboratory are highly interdisciplinary and the successful candidate will be exposed to a broad range of cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo approaches in cancer research, becoming an integral member of the team.

What you will be doing

• Design and implementation of experiments to assess nutrient and metabolic requirements of cancer cells

• Maintain cancer cells in culture and assess growth rates and survival

• Perform western blot analysis of protein expression

• Reagent preparation, sample accession and preparation

• Collaboration and interaction with other group members, as required

• General contribution to the smooth running of the lab, including contribution to general lab tasks

• Presentation and discussion of results at lab meetings

Click here to see the full job description

About you

You will have:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in the area of molecular biology, cancer models and metabolism*

• Understanding of oxidative stress and ROS*

• Technical metabolomic or proteomic analysis*

• At least 3 years postdoctoral experience (or equivalent experience)*

• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in refereed journals

• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings

• Experience of experimental design*

• Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group

• Metabolic pathway analysis (desirable)

Minimum criteria*

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 

• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.