Principal Scientist (Functional Genomics) in Cambridge

Salary: £57,000- £64,400 per annum (dependent on experience) plus benefits

Reports to: Group leader

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Cambridge, UK, joint AstraZeneca - CRUK Functional Genomics Centre, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AA (Lab based low-flex, with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site).

Closing date: Sunday 9th August 2026 23:55pm

Recruitment process: Initial Teams call followed by in person interview in Cambridge, which will include competency based and technical questions with a presentation assessment. Interview date: First stage approximately w/c 17th August.

Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy (conditions apply). If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We have an exciting opportunity at Cancer Research Horizons for a skilled Principal scientist to join the Joint AstraZeneca-Cancer Research Horizons Functional Genomics Centre based in Cambridge. The Joint AstraZeneca-Cancer Research Horizons Functional Genomics Centre (FGC), launched in 2019, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to unlocking the full potential of functional genomics for novel cancer therapeutics. As a centre of excellence, the FGC specialises in advanced functional genomics screening technologies, sophisticated cancer models, and computational approaches for 'big data' analysis.

You will be joining a dynamic and diverse team under the leadership of David Walter. This role offers the unique opportunity to be part of an exciting team, operating at the forefront of research and technology development, gaining experience across the breadth of CRISPR technologies whilst it is being applied to clinically actionable programs. Working in a diverse, dynamic, and cutting-edge scientific environment, this laboratory-based role will give you the opportunity to apply your molecular and cell biology and drug discovery expertise to build new capabilities and support our functional genomic screening efforts.

About Cancer Research Horizons: As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we’ve helped bring fourteen new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster. Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) is CRUK’s internal translation engine. CRUK’s established drug discovery teams operate under one organisation and leadership team. Our unique combination of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK’s world-class academic network, coupled with cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise enables us to 1) bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success.

Based at sites in Cambridge, the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, and Newcastle University, Cancer Research Horizons employs 180 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance Functional Genomics Capabilities: Lead the design, establishment, and optimization of novel pooled CRISPR libraries, high-throughput cloning strategies, and advanced CRISPR assays (e.g., base editing, CRISPRa/i, and combinatorial tools, FACS based selection, Perturb-seq).
• Project Leadership: Lead and execute high-impact projects to support oncology target identification and validation, translating complex screening data into actionable drug discovery initiatives.
• Complex Biological Models: Implement and screen in disease-relevant, complex biological models, integrating primary cells, 3D/organoid systems, and in vivo screens. Actively scout, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies to drive the continuous evolution of the FGC platform.
• Scientific Visibility: Achieve external scientific visibility through oral presentations at conferences and authorship on high-impact, peer-reviewed publications. Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to develop staff and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

What are we looking for?

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent experience), preferably with up to 5 years of postdoctoral experience.
• Experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting is considered a plus.
• Deep expertise in cancer biology, with evidence of implementing cutting-edge technologies for target identification, validation, or structure/function studies.
• Prior hands-on experience with CRISPR screening modalities, particularly for target discovery.
• Exposure to advanced techniques (e.g., base editing, CRISPR activation, Perturb‑seq, or combinatorial screening) is a strong advantage.
• Experience working with complex, disease‑relevant cellular models (e.g., 3D/organoid cultures, primary immune cells) or in vivo systems.
• A proven track record of independently driving, managing, and delivering translational oncology research projects.
• The ability to leverage bioinformatics datasets and genome/proteome‑wide technologies, applying rigorous statistical thinking to large-scale biological data.
• Excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional matrix teams.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination. Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism. Human: Act to have a positive impact on people. Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively. We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 0 20 3469 8400 as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.