Higher Scientific Officer - Cell Biology

THE INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH; Sutton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton is seeking a Higher Scientific Officer in Cell Biology to conduct lab-based research on potential therapeutic targets in cancer. The role focuses on genetic techniques (RNAi/CRISPR), targeted protein degradation, and biomarker discovery to inform drug discovery.

This is a 2-year fixed-term, full-time contract (35 hours per week) with a salary of £40,850–£43,000 per annum. Reporting to Joanna Loizou and relocation visa support available if needed.

Qualifications

• Masters-level qualification in Cell Biology or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of cancer biology.
• Experience with experimental approaches to therapeutic target validation in cancer.

Responsibilities

• Carry out lab-based cell biology research focused on therapeutic targets in cancer.
• Utilize genetic techniques (RNAi/CRISPR) and protein degradation tools to generate data for target validation.
• Contribute to assay development and biomarker discovery for drug discovery projects.

Skills

Genetic techniques (RNAi/CRISPR)

Assay development

Biomarker discovery

Education

Masters level qualification in Cell Biology or aligned subject

Job description

Higher Scientific Officer - Cell Biology

• Higher Scientific Officer - Cell Biology

Key Information

Salary: £40,850 - £43,000 per annum. Commencement on the salary range is subject tocomparableskills and experience.

Reporting to: Joanna Loizou

Duration ofContract: Fixed Term for 2 years

Hours per week : 35 hours per week (Full Time)

Location: Sutton

Closing Date: 30th September 2026

Salary: £40,850 - £43,000 per annum. Commencement on the salary range is subject tocomparableskills and experience. Reporting to: Joanna Loizou Duration ofContract: Fixed Term for 2 years Hours per week : 35 hours per week (Full Time) Location: Sutton Closing Date: 30th September 2026 This role is eligible for ICR Sponsorship. If this is your first visa in the UK, support will be provided for costs associated with Visa application. If you are considering relocating to the UK, further information can be found here .

We seek a Higher Scientific Officer within the Centre for Target Validation to carry out lab-based cell biology research focused on potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Projects will involve the use of genetic techniques (RNAi/CRISPR), targeted protein degradation, tool compounds and molecular biology to generate key decision-making data in target validation and enable target prioritisation for drug discovery. The postholder will also contribute to assay development and biomarker discovery for targets that move to a drug discovery phase within the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery.

About you

The successful candidate must have:

• At least a Masters level qualification in Cell Biology or an aligned subject.
• Knowledge of cancer biology
• Knowledge of experimental approaches to therapeutic target validation in cancer
  

Please access the job pack attached for the detailed job description and person specification.

Department/Directorate Information

The ICR has established a Centre for Target Validation that will accelerate the translation of ICR and collaborator research into drug discovery programmes. The Centre will deliver bespoke, hypothesis-driven data packages to support decision-making for launch of drug discovery projects. The Centre’s dedicated resources, including biology, functional genomics, assay sciences, chemistry, and bioinformatics teams, will support joint project teams that combine the deep biological and therapeutic knowledge of ICR investigators with the validation and technical expertise of drug discovery scientists. Scientists in the Centre for Target Validation will work closely with colleagues in the ICR’s Centre for Protein Degradation to exploit emerging technology and protein degradation tools for robust target validation experiments. The Centre for Target Validation will serve as a hub, connecting researchers to expertise and resources that will validate and streamline robust, targets into drug discovery programmes in the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery or into collaborative programmes with external commercial therapy discovery partners.

What we offer

• A dynamic and supportive research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities
• Collaboration with leading researchers in the field
• Competitive salary and pension

We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contactJoanna Loizouvia Email on [e-mail]

About The Institute of Cancer Research

Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits .

The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles, please click here to find out further information.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here .

We look forward to receiving applications from all candidates, wherever in the world they are currently based. We will select those who display the potential to become, or to support, the world leading cancer researchers of the future based on their application and performance at interview. However, we particularly welcome British applicants from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, as they are under-represented within the ICR and nationwide in STEM roles.

Salary range £40,850 - £43,000 per annum