Research Associate in Cancer Microbiology

About the role:

Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoctoral research position to work within the Host–Microbe Co–Metabolism group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS)/Institute of Clinical Sciences, in close collaboration with partners at Imperial College London. The microbiome plays a pivotal role in shaping host physiology, with emerging evidence linking microbial communities and their metabolites to cancer initiation, progression, and therapy response. Microbiota-derived signals can influence key pathways involved in inflammation, metabolism, immune modulation, and cellular proliferation, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The successful candidate will employ molecular and quantitative approaches, using conventionally raised and germ-free mouse models, to dissect how microbial composition, function, and metabolite production shape tumour initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. For more information, please visit https://www.cabreirolab.org or contact (fcabrei@ic.ac.uk).

What you would be doing:

The successful candidate will use state-of-the-art mouse models (including germ-free and gnotobiotic systems), in combination with genome engineering, microbiology, and multi-omics profiling, to uncover microbiome–host interactions that drive cancer-relevant phenotypes. You will design and implement mechanistic studies to define how specific microbial communities and metabolites modulate host pathways controlling tumour growth, therapy response, and microenvironmental cues. Working closely with wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians, you will integrate quantitative phenotyping, bulk and single-cell profiling, and microbial manipulation to reveal conserved principles of host–microbe co-metabolism in cancer biology. You will also be encouraged to contribute to related projects within the Host–Microbe Co-Metabolism group and to help shape new research directions at the interface of microbiome research, cancer biology, and systems biology.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as cell biology, microbiology, cancer biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong research experience with organismal systems, ideally including mouse models, and a demonstrated interest in host–microbe interactions.
• Proven expertise in core molecular and cellular biology techniques, and experience in studying signalling pathways relevant to cancer, metabolism, or immunity.
• Experience working with complex datasets (e.g. multi-omics, imaging, or quantitative phenotyping) and an interest in applying integrative or quantitative approaches.
• Good knowledge of experimental design, statistics for biological data, and reproducible workflows.
• Evidence of independence, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to work abroad to conduct animal studies

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of human mechanistic and translational research in a vibrant and supportive environment. You will be encouraged to contribute to other projects within the Cabreiro team. There are excellent opportunities for professional development – taking full advantage of collaborations, facilities and informatics expertise across MRC LMS and Imperial College London. We will provide training and mentoring to support your career aspirations.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 3 years.

For further information about this role, please contact Filipe Cabreiro (f.cabreiro@lms.mrc.ac.uk).