Senior Scientist Molecular Biology jobs

Professor Karen Blyth

Senior Scientific Officer

Salary: From £28,344 to £45,357 based on qualification and experience.

Contract: Up to18 months FTC- maternity cover

About us

The CRUK Scotland Institute is a cancer research institute, situated in Glasgow with approximately 250 researchers split across 30 research groups consisting of PIs, postdoctoral scientists, PhD students and scientific officers. It is one of Europe's leading cancer research centres, supporting cutting-edge work into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development. As well as core support from Cancer Research UK, the Institute also receives an additional third of its total income from external grants and industry collaborations. It has an excellent reputation for fundamental cancer research, including world-class metabolism studies and renowned in vivo modelling of tumour growth and metastasis.

Position outline

The In Vivo Cancer Biology Lab, led by Professor Karen Blyth, is seeking a Senior Scientific Officer to provide maternity cover within the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative cancer research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive tumour progression and metastasis in cancers such as breast, prostate, colon and liver cancer with an emphasis on translational cancer research. Some of the current projects in the lab include understanding the role of the RUNX/CBFβ transcriptional complex, MCL-1 signalling and related pathways in breast and other epithelial cancers.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will contribute to a diverse portfolio of research projects within the laboratory and more broadly across the Institute. In particular, they will play a key role in leading and delivering studies using in vivo cancer models, alongside a range of molecular and cellular biology approaches. Responsibilities will include planning and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting data, supporting researchers within the group, maintaining laboratory operations and regulatory compliance, and contributing to high-quality research outputs.

The postholder should have prior hands-on experience working with mouse models. Experience with tumour-bearing and genetically engineered mouse models of cancer would be highly desirable, although relevant training will be provided. Duties will include animal monitoring, tissue collection, experimental procedures and sample processing, while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, scientific rigour and record keeping are maintained. A current UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) is desirable; however, candidates with relevant in vivo experience who are willing to obtain and maintain a PIL will also be considered.

In addition to in vivo expertise, the successful candidate will have experience in mammalian tissue culture and/or a range of molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting and qPCR. Experience with in vivo imaging techniques such as IVIS and ultrasound imaging would be advantageous. The ability to analyse, interpret and communicate experimental findings is essential.

We are looking for an adaptable, proactive and collaborative scientist with strong organisational and communication skills who enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary research team. Experience contributing to scientific publications, troubleshooting experimental challenges and supporting or mentoring colleagues would be beneficial.

For informal enquiries, please contact: l.mitchell@crukscotlandinstitute.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our vision is to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive research culture based on our shared values of Innovate, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. These values, which underpin our behaviours and everything we do, allow all our people to realise their full potential. The diversity of our staff and students is also what makes the Institute such a vibrant place to work and advance discoveries in cancer research. Family friendly policies, our collaborative ethos, a focus on good mental health and well-being and opportunities for all help to create an enjoyable and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 40.5 days annual leave including bank holidays (FTE)
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Free life assurance scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Additional maternity pay for 6 months at full salary
• Shared parental leave including up to 6 weeks paid at full salary
• Cycle to work scheme saving tax and NI on cycle purchase and spreading repayments over up to 12 months
• Access to employee benefit schemes with discounts on supermarkets, cinema, travel and much more.
• On-site secure parking

All applications must be made via our website:

https://www.crukscotlandinstitute.ac.uk/careers/scientific-officers.html

Closing Date: 2nd October 2026

Pay: £28,344.00-£45,357.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person