At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research on the nervous system's role in cancer treatment.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment fostering innovation and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while collaborating with top scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience and hands-on experience with animal models required.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Reports to: Leanne Li, Group Leader
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Application Deadline: Thursday 11th June 2026 at 11.55pm
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world‑class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. Our Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, cutting‑edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.
About the Cancer‑Neuroscience Lab
The Li lab explores how the nervous and immune systems interact in cancer and how these insights could unlock approaches to treatment. Using advanced mouse models and tissue culture systems, the team investigates how neuroimmune crosstalk shapes cancer development and progression, with a focus on how the nervous system influences immune responses in tumours.
About the Project
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to spearhead a project tackling one of the major challenges in cancer research: What is the role of the nervous system in cancer? Can we harness this interaction to treat cancer? The Postdoctoral Fellow will drive their own projects, while collaborating on other projects (both internally and externally) and guiding PhD students in their research.
What you’ll be doing
- Designing experiments and research strategy in consultation with the PI
- Carrying out experiments and analysing data
- Keeping accurate and timely records of their work
- Engaging in professional development and growth
- Liaise with external collaborators
- Presenting work at Lab meetings, conferences and consortium meetings
- Drafting manuscripts for publication
About you
Essential
- PhD (or near completion) in Neuroscience.
- Hands‑on experience with in vivo / animal models.
- A strong publication record demonstrating scientific impact.
- Proven ability to design experiments and interpret data rigorously.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- A proactive, curious and resilient approach to research.
Desirable
- Background in body‑brain axis or the peripheral nervous system.
- Experience in neural modulation, neuronal tracing, electrophysiology, behaviour studies, single cell analysis.
- Experience working with genetically engineered mouse models.
- Experience in international, cross‑disciplinary collaborations.
About Working at the Crick
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well‑being and development:
- Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well‑being: 24/7 GP consultation services. Occupational health services and mental health support programs. Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work‑Life Balance: Back‑up care for dependants. Childcare support allowance. Annual leave purchase options. Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, and shopping discounts. Subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
- Career support: A Post‑doc to PI programme and other career development activities
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Postdoctoral Fellow - Neuroscientist employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment where world-class scientists can thrive. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the institute provides extensive benefits including generous leave, health and well-being support, and career development opportunities, making it an ideal place for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience to grow and contribute to groundbreaking research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - Neuroscientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to neuroscience. Chat with fellow researchers and potential collaborators; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or projects that align with your interests.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your research work, including publications and presentations. When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, having tangible evidence of your expertise can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If there’s a lab or researcher you admire, drop them an email expressing your interest in their work. A well-crafted message can lead to informal chats or even job opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Francis Crick Institute's site. It shows initiative and ensures your application gets into the right hands quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Neuroscientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in neuroscience and any hands-on work with animal models. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting research happening in the Li Lab!
Show Off Your Publications:If you've got a strong publication record, flaunt it! Include details about your most impactful papers and how they relate to the role. This is your chance to demonstrate your scientific contributions and expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas flow well and are easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it's absolutely necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at the Crick.
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your previous research and how it relates to the role. Be prepared to explain your experimental designs, findings, and their implications in detail. This will show your depth of knowledge and passion for neuroscience.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like in vivo models or neural modulation. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with them. This will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of past collaborations. Highlight how you contributed to team projects and what you learned from those experiences. This will illustrate your ability to work well with others.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about the lab's current projects or future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the lab is the right fit for you.
