Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Biologist (Li Lab)

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Reports to: Leanne Li, Group Leader
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Application Deadline: Thursday 11th June 2026 at 11.55pm

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 Cancer-Neuroscience Lab
The Li lab explores how the nervous and immune systems interact in cancer and how these insights could unlock approaches to treatment. Using advanced mouse models and tissue culture systems, the team investigates how neuroimmune crosstalk shapes cancer development and progression, with a focus on how the nervous system influences immune responses in tumours.

About the Project
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to spearhead a project tackling one of the major challenges in cancer research: What are the roles of the neuroimmune interactions in cancer? Can we harness these interactions to treat cancer? The Postdoctoral Fellow will drive their own projects, while collaborating on other projects (both internally and externally) and guiding PhD students in their research.

What you’ll be doing
You will be responsible for:

• Designing experiments and research strategy in consultation with the PI
• Carrying out experiments and analysing data
• Keeping accurate and timely records of their work
• Engaging in professional development and growth
• Liaise with external collaborators
• Presenting work at Lab meetings, conferences and consortium meetings
• Drafting manuscripts for publication

About you
Essential:

• PhD (or near completion) in cancer biology or related fields.
• Hands-on experience with in vivo / animal models.
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientific impact.
• Proven ability to design experiments and interpret data rigorously.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, curious and resilient approach to research.

Desirable

• Background in cancer biology and mechanist research.
• Experience with genetically engineered mouse models of cancer and/or orthotopic transplantations.
• Experience designing and delivering preclinical studies.
• Experience working in international and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
• Experience with in vivo imaging, primary cell culture, organoid culture and related in vitro assays.

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.
• Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents and childcare support allowance.
• Career support: A Post-doc to PI programme and other career development activities.

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.