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The Institute of Cancer Research
Higher Scientific Officer- Genomics and Evolutionary Dynamics
Sutton On-site 2-5 yrs exp
DNA ExtractionRNA ExtractionArchival Sample ProcessingMolecular BiologyGenomics
Requirements
A master's degree in molecular biology or a relevant field is required, along with hands-on DNA and RNA extraction experience, ideally using archival samples in an academic research laboratory. Applicants should also have strong communication, record-keeping, and organisational skills and be able to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
Job Description
Salary: Starting salary £47,738 per annum. Scientific Grade 5. Commencement on the salary range is subject to comparable skills and experience.
Reporting to: Trevor Graham
Duration of Contract: 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:
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
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.
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.
Reporting to: Trevor Graham
Duration of Contract: 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
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
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.
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.
Education
Postgraduate Degree
Skills
DNA ExtractionRNA ExtractionArchival Sample ProcessingMolecular BiologyGenomicsExperimental AnalysisSample Database CurationRecord-KeepingCommunicationOrganisationInterdisciplinary Collaboration