Higher Scientific Officer- Genomics and Evolutionary Dynamics

THE INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH; Sutton; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship available

Competitive salary

Pension

Job summary

The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton is seeking a Higher Scientific Officer to contribute to the Boomers project, performing nucleic acid extractions from archival colorectal cancer samples and generating genomic data under supervision.

You will curate a new database of samples spanning the 1950s to the present, collaborate with clinical and lab colleagues, and work with dry-lab scientists to enable computational analyses.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in molecular biology or relevant area.
• Hands-on DNA/RNA extraction from archival samples.
• Experience in a lab setting with strong documentation.

Responsibilities

• Curate a new database of colorectal cancer samples from the 1950s to present.
• Extract nucleic acids from samples and support downstream analyses.
• Collaborate with clinical and dry-lab colleagues to optimise workflows.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

Archival sample handling

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication

Education

Masters degree in molecular biology

Tools

Database management

Computational analyses

Job description

Higher Scientific Officer- Genomics and Evolutionary Dynamics

• Higher Scientific Officer- Genomics and Evolutionary Dynamics

Key Information

Salary: Starting salary £47,738 per annum. Scientific Grade 5. Commencement on the salary range is subject tocomparableskills and experience.

Reporting to: Trevor Graham

Duration ofContract: Fixed Term for 12 months

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

Location: Sutton

Closing Date: 15 October 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 .

Under the guidance of Professor Trevor Graham we are seeking to appoint a Higher Scientific Officer to contribute to our Boomers project , where we are applying cutting-edge experimental workflows and bioinformatic analysis of archival tumours to understand the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer. The successful candidate will support senior scientists in generating new genomic data from these archival samples.

The post-holder will be responsible for the curation of a new database of colorectal cancer samples, collected from the 1950s to the present day. They will be expected to work independently to extract nucleic acids from the samples, which will then be used to perform a range of experimental analyses. They will need to work closely with clinical and lab-based colleagues to ensure that experimental workflows are optimal, and also with dry-lab scientists who will perform the computational analyses.

About you

The successful candidate must have:

• An Masters degree in molecular biology or other relevant area.
• Proven, hands-on expertise in performing DNA/RNA extractions, ideally from archival samples, and ideally in an academic research lab
• Excellent communication, record-keeping and organisational skills, and the ability to interact effectively with other team members in a highly interdisciplinary team

Department/Directorate Information

The Centre for Evolution and Cancer (CEC), within the Division of Cancer Biology, is a multidisciplinary centre, comprising around 50 staff dedicated to understanding cancer evolution and leveraging this knowledge for translational benefit. Our interests span early detection through to treatment of metastatic disease. The CEC brings together expertise in evolutionary theory, computational biology and bioinformatics together with cutting-edge research ability in cell and molecular biology to provide a stimulating and creative interdisciplinary environment where new approaches to tackling cancer can thrive.

The Genomics and Evolutionary Dynamics team combine molecular and cellular biology together with mathematical and computational modelling to study the evolution of malignancy. We focus on early detection in the gastrointestinal tract, colorectal cancer evolution and treatment response, and pan-cancer genomics. We perform basic research into the biology of the human body in health and disease and translate our findings to improve clinical care of patients affected by cancer.

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

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.

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.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back – if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.