At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing innovative PET imaging probes for cancer research.
- Company: CRUK Scotland Institute, a leading cancer research centre in Glasgow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Engaging workplace with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and mental well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research and advance your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in PET radiochemistry or cancer biology.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 42893 £ per year.
Developing a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtype — Specific PET Radiotracer for Preclinical PET Imaging
Salary: from £37,000 to £42,893 subject to experience, plus relocation allowance and visa costs if required.
Contract term: Fixed up to 6 years, subject to successful review at Year 3.
About us
The CRUK Scotland Institute is a cancer research institute, situated in Glasgow with approximately 250 researchers split across 30 research groups consisting of PIs, postdoctoral scientists, PhD students and scientific officers. It is one of Europe's leading cancer research centres, supporting cutting‑edge work into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development.
Project outline
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous and often treatment‑resistant cancer, with no clinically validated biomarkers to guide patients toward the most effective targeted therapies. This Jules Thorne funded programme brings together a multidisciplinary team to develop the first subtype‑specific precision approach for HCC.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to the development of a PET imaging probe targeting glutamine synthetase (GS), a downstream effector of canonical Wnt/β‑catenin signalling, to detect this tumour subtype in vivo.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research for radiolabelling and characterisation of C‑11 PET tracers, including synthesis, purification, and analytical quality control.
- Perform in‑vitro validation of tracer uptake, specificity, and stability in relevant HCC models.
- Carry out preclinical PET/MRI imaging using established murine liver cancer models to assess metabolic changes.
- Perform quantitative analysis of imaging and ex vivo validation datasets.
- Support translational and GMP‑aligned radiochemistry activities in preparation for future clinical application.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including oncologists, immunologists, and imaging experts, to drive the research programme forward.
- Prepare high‑quality research manuscripts and present findings at national and international conferences.
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential Criteria- PhD (or near completion) in radiochemistry, chemistry, cancer biology, molecular imaging, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
- Experience in PET radiochemistry, tracer handling, or working with radioisotopes.
- Experience in laboratory‑based experimental research, such as cancer biology, molecular imaging, analytical chemistry, or radiotracer validation.
- Ability to work independently, manage experimental workflows, and proactively drive research progress.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Experience with murine in‑vivo cancer models.
- Background in cancer metabolism.
- Familiarity with preclinical imaging (PET/MRI) workflows, pharmacokinetic analysis, or image quantification.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting‑edge translational cancer research programme, with the potential to make a meaningful impact on clinical patient management.
Postdoc support
- Exciting, innovative cancer research projects in state‑of‑the‑art labs.
- A highly collaborative and interactive research environment.
- Access to and training in key advanced technologies, for example imaging and in‑vivo modelling.
- A mentor enabling scheme to aid personal and professional development.
- A rich programme of scientific exchange through seminars, workshops and meetings.
- Support to make fellowship and small grant applications, including during their transition to their next position.
- Guidance and mentoring to compete for an independent scientist position as well as a multitude of other career options, including in industry.
- A highly engaged postdoc forum, providing peer support, training, careers advice and regular social events.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our vision is to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive research culture based on our shared values of Innovate, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.
Employee Benefits
Competitive salary. 40.5 days annual leave including...
Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Glasgow employer: CRUK Scotland Institute
The CRUK Scotland Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative research environment in the heart of Glasgow. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide access to cutting-edge technologies, mentorship programmes, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research and make a meaningful impact on patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at CRUK Scotland Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like CRUK Scotland Institute. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at CRUK Scotland Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at CRUK Scotland Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRUK Scotland Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at CRUK Scotland Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at CRUK Scotland Institute to drive research projects forward.
