Summary
The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) at the University of Cambridge is seeking a talented and motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Creixell Group. Funded by The Brain Tumour Charity, this role focuses on developing and applying cutting-edge peptide display technologies to study protein kinases (tyrosine and serine kinases), understand substrate recognition, and establish frameworks for the design of targeted small-molecule therapeutics in collaboration with leading researchers at UCSF.
Key Job Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position / Designation | Research Associate (Postdoctoral) |
| Department / Unit | Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) |
| Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Job ID | 56733 |
| Reference Number | SW50777 |
| Salary Range | £37,694 – £46,049 per annum |
| Funding Body | The Brain Tumour Charity |
| Collaborators | Prof. Bill Weiss (UCSF) & Prof. Kevan Shokat (UCSF) |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Closing Date | September 1, 2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Protein Biochemistry, Structural Biology & Chemical Biology
- Focus Areas: Peptide display technologies, tyrosine and serine kinase screening, cell signalling mechanisms, combinatorial variant libraries, and small-molecule therapeutic design for brain tumours and cancer.
Location
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
University of Cambridge
Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
Eligibility & Qualifications
Essential Criteria:
- Education: Hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Protein Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline.
- Publication Track Record: At least one first-author research paper (published, accepted, under review, or deposited as a preprint).
- Technical Skills: Proven hands-on laboratory experience in standard and advanced molecular biology techniques.
- Soft Skills: Ability to work independently, respond constructively to feedback, communicate scientific findings clearly, and thrive within a multidisciplinary, collaborative research team.
Desirable / Beneficial Skills:
- Experience in protein crystallography / structural biology.
- Familiarity with computational biology, bioinformatics, or machine learning approaches applied to biological data.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Research & Development: Apply high-throughput and combinatorially complete peptide display technologies to systematically screen tyrosine and serine kinases.
- Translational Discovery: Translate kinase substrate specificity insights into frameworks for developing novel, selective small-molecule inhibitors alongside collaborators at UCSF.
- Data Analysis & Dissemination: Perform computational and biochemical analyses of screening data, prepare high-impact scientific manuscripts, and present findings at internal and external seminars/conferences.
- Academic & Professional Development: Gain exposure to project leadership, grant writing, and student mentorship. The lab actively supports candidates in applying for prestigious independent fellowships (e.g., EMBO, HFSP, MSCA).
How to Apply
- Visit the University of Cambridge / CRUK CI Job Portal and register an account on the recruitment platform.
- Complete the online application form and upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a cover letter detailing your research experience and suitability.
- Quote reference number SW50777 on your application and in all related correspondence.
Last Date to Apply
September 1, 2026
