Research Associate (Carroll Group) (Fixed Term)

We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the lab of Professor Jason Carroll, based in the internationally renowned Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The Carroll lab is focused on understanding mechanisms of transcription factor (TF) biology across cancer types. We take a genomic, proteomic and molecular approach to delineate mechanisms, with particular emphasis on defining mechanisms that contribute to tumorigenesis and drug resistance.

We are looking for a Research Associate to join our team to progress projects within the laboratory. Specifically, our lab is interested in using our tools, in conjunction with the recent advances in the various cancer systems to explore the putative role of TFs across cancer types. This will involve detailed pathway biology and will revolve around our interest in characterising chromatin complexes in cancer.

We are exploring saturation mutagenesis approaches for screening candidate TFs, in order to identify functional amino acid residues that are required for tumour growth and/or metastasis.

We are looking for someone who is willing to learn new molecular approaches and although we are particularly keen to recruit someone with pancreatic or prostate cancer experience, we are open to all applicants from any cancer background.

The Post Holder will:

• have the opportunity to work under their own initiative and apply problem-solving skills to troubleshoot challenging technical issues.
• contribute towards running of various projects within the laboratory and present work regularly at the lab meetings.
• have the opportunity to co-write grant applications to support the specific research projects they are working on.
• be able to explore funding opportunities for future independent research.

Person Specification

Applicants should have, or will soon be awarded, a PhD in Biology, or another relevant biological science discipline. Applicants should demonstrate strong molecular biology laboratory experience and biochemical expertise. Applicants should have experience in cancer biology, with pancreatic or prostate cancer experience being an advantage. Experience working with in-vivo mouse models (PDX, autochthonous models) and genomics would also be an advantage. Applicants should have excellent written and spoken English communication skills and demonstrate excellent strong attention to detail.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38, £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: mailbox-hr@cruk.cam.ac.uk

For informal enquires about the position, please contact: Jason.Carroll@cruk.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference SW49430 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

Department/location: Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

Salary: £33,002-£35,608
£37,694-£46,049

Reference: SW49430

Category: Research

Date published: 15 April 2026

Closing date: 13 May 2026