Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory

Salary for this Role:

From £43,210 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory

Reports to:

Charles Swanton [C]

Closing Date:

21/Feb/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

Job title: Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – [C Swanton] Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory

Details of the role: This is a full-time, 1 year fixed term position. Working pattern Monday - Friday

Salary: From £43,210 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Applications close on: 21/02/25

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.  

About the role…  

Lung cancer remains one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide, demanding innovative research to address its complexities and challenges. This project seeks to advance our understanding of immunogenic mutations—genomic alterations within cancer cells that result in the production of tumor-specific antigens (neoantigens). Predicting neoantigens in lung cancer involves computational modelling to analyse somatic mutation data, along with transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, to forecast which mutations could produce immunogenic peptides capable of being presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This project will leverage next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from the TRACERx study to monitor the evolutionary trajectories of lung tumors at multiple time points and in different spatial regions, identifying which mutations are likely to produce neoantigens over time and how these evolve under therapeutic pressure. 

To this end, we are seeking applications from candidates with a creative approach to research with computational competencies to work in a lab with an enviable reputation of producing papers of the highest quality.   

 

What you will be doing…  

As a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist at the Crick, you will:  

• Work on a European project, working within the multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, bioinformaticians and bench scientists in the Swanton lab, and collaborating with groups at the Francis Crick Institute and beyond, including academic and industry partners  

• Drive the project forward using relevant computational approaches  

• Keep up to date with the relevant literature in the field of cancer biology and machine learning  

• Attend and report on research results at regular group meetings  

• Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results by means of writing papers for publication and presenting orally and in poster form at national and international meetings.  

 

About you…   

You will bring…  

• PhD in cancer biology / computational biology or other relevant discipline  

• Good knowledge and experience in at least one of the following: cancer biology / cancer immunology / genomics   

• Technical qualifications: expertise in common programming languages such as R or Python  

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

 

To see the complete job description, click here. 

To see more about team/Group Leader click here. 

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 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: nicola.gyte@crick.ac.uk 

To find out more about life at the Crick click here. 

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.  

• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.  

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion