Biosciences Student Placement (Lab based)

Biosciences Student Placement (Lab based)

Placement 18400 - 27600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Cancer Research UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct lab research on cancer cell biology and develop innovative drug discovery techniques.
  • Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the world's largest independent cancer research charity.
  • Benefits: £23,000 salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in oncology while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic lab environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be a life sciences student with at least 2 years of study completed.

The predicted salary is between 18400 - 27600 £ per year.

.**Cancer Research Horizons Biosciences Student Placement (Lab based)**£23,000 plus**Directorate:** Research & Innovation**Contract:** Fixed Term Contract 52 weeks**Hours:** Full time 35 hours per week**Location:** CRUK Scotland Institute (Glasgow)**Closing date:** 2nd November 2025This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.**Visa sponsorship:** You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is **not** able to offer visa sponsorship for this position**Recruitment process:** Competency based interview + exercises in relation to the placement**At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.****About the placement**Cancer Research Horizons – Therapeutic Innovation (CRH-TI) is Cancer Research UK’s (CRUK) internal drug discovery engine, that is focussed on building an innovative, high-impact portfolio that will deliver new therapies for cancer patients. We have drug discovery sites located in Glasgow, Newcastle, Cambridge and London, with over 200 members of staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds. We have the expertise and capabilities to translate early concepts to patient benefit, encompassing deep cancer biology knowledge and extensive drug discovery experience.The successful applicant will form an integral part of the CRH-TI team working within the Biosciences group and will develop a broad understanding of cancer cell biology and its application within oncology drug discovery. The successful applicant will work with cancer cell lines and will learn a range of in vitro techniques (e.g. cell culture, siRNA, CRISPR, Western blotting). In addition, they will develop skills in analytical techniques for validating assays, scientific writing, and presentation of results to multi-disciplinary teams.The placement position will be based at the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow. We have one 52-week placement to offer, with negotiable start date in September 2026.## * Conduct research, under supervision, with efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail* Exercise technical judgment in execution of experiments and interpretation of results* Perform analysis of experimental results and develop hypotheses to test* Ask for advice and assistance when necessary* Maintain awareness of project-relevant scientific literature* Prepare and deliver verbal and written reports/presentations* Ensure adherence to data integrity policies, including maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks to required standards* Maintain safe working practices by adhering to all health and safety training, information and advice providedIf you’re a motivated life sciences student, with an interest in oncology drug discovery, then this is your opportunity to gain valuable experience working within the pharmaceutical sector.We expect you to have excellent organisational skills, work well within a team environment, have a keen eye for detail, be capable of managing your time efficiently and have a sound knowledge of standard Microsoft packages (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).**Please read the following information carefully before applying.**If you would like to apply for the placement student scheme, please ensure that you meet the following criteria before completing your application form:* You must be studying for an undergraduate science related degree (BSc/MSc/MSci) having successfully completed at least 2 years of study by August 2026. Please note that applications from graduates and PhD students will NOT be considered for this scheme.* You should expect to receive a 2:1 or grade B in your third year (Scotland) or second year (rest of UK) results in a science related degree.* You should be able to commence work in September 2026 (the start date is negotiable).* You should have the right to live and work in the UK without restriction. We regret that we cannot consider applications from candidates who require a work permit to work in the UK.If you meet these requirements, we look forward to receiving your application.**Useful tips for completion of the application form:*** Read through the whole form first and draft your answers accordingly.* Complete all sections - please do not leave any gaps.* Check your spelling and grammar.* Be concise and focused in your answers. Take particular care with answering the application questions. As noted below, CVs can only be seen once candidates reach the interview stage. How the questions are answered is a key consideration for who gets invited to interview.* Please ensure your CV is attached with your application, as applications without a CV will not be considered.* And finally, don’t forget, it’s important that you tell us how you found out about the scheme.If your application is short listed, candidates will be invited to a first-stage phone interview and selected candidates will be invited to attend a second-stage in-person interview This will involve some problem-solving exercises designed to assess your ability and a competency interview.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 and answer some screening questions, for us to be able to assess your application fairly and objectively.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 collaborativelyWe’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.## 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 .For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: , , , and .Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. 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.As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity, we conduct research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Our aim is to see 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034 and our staff are integral to achieving that ambition. Cancer Research UK offers you excellent prospects to expand your career as well as the ability to make a real difference to the lives of others. We\'re always looking for sharp, #J-18808-Ljbffr

Biosciences Student Placement (Lab based) employer: Cancer Research UK

At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located at the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, our Biosciences Student Placement provides a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cancer research while developing valuable skills in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission of beating cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Contact Details:

Cancer Research UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Biosciences Student Placement (Lab based)

Get Stuck into Biotech Events!

Jump into industry-specific events like conferences, workshops, and networking meetups in biotechnology. These are fantastic places to chat with professionals, get insights into current trends, and even meet folks from companies like Cancer Research UK who might be offering placements.

Leverage Your Uni’s Career Services

Don’t forget about your university’s career services! Many have connections with biotech firms and can help you find placement opportunities or set you up for internships. It's a great way to get your foot in the door at Cancer Research UK.

Show Off Your Lab Skills

Whether you’ve done research or had lab experience, make sure to highlight these skills in conversations. Be ready to share specific projects you’ve worked on that relate to what Cancer Research UK does in the biotech sector—don’t hold back!

Apply Early, Apply Often

Placement spots can fill up quickly, so make sure you’re on the ball. Check Cancer Research UK’s website frequently and apply as soon as you see something that catches your eye. We all know how crucial getting that early application in can be!

We think you need these skills to ace Biosciences Student Placement (Lab based)

In vitro techniques
Cell culture
siRNA
CRISPR
Western blotting
Analytical techniques
Scientific writing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Laboratory Skills!:In the biotech field, it's essential to highlight any lab experience you've had. Make sure to mention specific techniques or equipment you're familiar with on your CV. If you've done any projects, whether in school or elsewhere, don't forget to detail them in your application—this'll really catch our attention!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Your Passion for Biotechnology:When we read your cover letter, we want to feel your enthusiasm for the biotech field! Share why this placement at Cancer Research UK excites you and how it aligns with your career goals. Talk about what you hope to learn and how you can contribute—show us that you're a passionate and motivated applicant!

Highlight Relevant Coursework and Certifications:Mention any relevant biotech courses, workshops, or certifications you've completed. This will not only show your academic background but also your dedication to the field. Include grades or projects that demonstrate your knowledge, and don't shy away from talking about any team collaborations or problem-solving experiences!

Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a placement, make sure you outline your availability in your application. Specify when you're able to start and how many hours you can commit each week. This will help us see how you fit into our schedule at Cancer Research UK and allows us to plan effectively for your potential contributions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK

Brush Up on Your Lab Skills

Since we're diving into biotechnology, make sure you’re up to speed with essential lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods, as the interviewers at Cancer Research UK will likely want to see how well you can apply your knowledge in a practical setting.

Know Your Current Trends

Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field, so it's important to have a grasp of the latest advancements and technologies. Familiarise yourself with recent breakthroughs or ongoing research relevant to Cancer Research UK. This shows your passion for the field and readiness to contribute to innovative projects during your placement.

Show Your Willingness to Learn

As this is a placement, highlight your eagerness to learn new techniques and concepts. Be ready to discuss how you're open to feedback and growth. Interviewers at Cancer Research UK will appreciate someone who is not just knowledgeable but also adaptable and keen to develop in the field.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions relevant to biotechnology principles. Review basic concepts such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing. This will help us demonstrate our understanding of the core principles that drive the work done at Cancer Research UK, making us a more attractive candidate for the placement.