Transition Fellow (Cancer Research UK Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence) in Edinburgh

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) have awarded funding to renew the UCL-Edinburgh CRUK Glioma Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence (CoE). The CoE brings together researchers from the University of Edinburgh and University College London to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental biology of glioma and harness this knowledge to drive new translational approaches to improve patient outcomes.

The post-holder will be based at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh or affiliated research centres within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. The mission of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer is to understand development and disease by using the latest approaches in genetic, genomic, cellular and clinical science. The postholder would benefit from world class facilities, and the combined resources and multidisciplinary skills, scientific expertise, technology and support services needed to maximise scientific discovery and provide an outstanding training environment.

We are seeking transition fellows with a strong publication track record to develop an independent programme of research, relevant to the themes of the CoE. Fellows will be expected to apply for independent research funding supported by existing research programmes on brain tumours. They will receive a generous consumables budget and priority access to CoE infrastructure, including preclinical models, and will be supported by a variety of mentoring schemes.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. biology, neuroscience, biomedicine, cancer biology) and have successfully carried out a period of postdoctoral training. They should also have a proven publication record. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills are essential.

Applicants must have experience in presenting complex scientific concepts and content both in writing and verbally. They will show a strong commitment to improving outcomes for glioma patients and demonstrate excellent collaborative interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting. The post-holder will be expected to have the ability to assist other members of the CoE, supervise MSc and PhD students, as well as collaborate with external research groups.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD and postdoctoral experience, with demonstrated success in delivering research results relevant to the subject specialism (or near completion)
• Experience and achievement in the specialist area, reflected in a growing personal research portfolio
• Extensive experience of developing and applying theory, models, techniques and analytical methods as appropriate to the field
• Good understanding of the potential non-academic impacts of the research and ways of engaging in order to achieve these.
• Ability to work with colleagues across the organisation in a respectful manner including collegiate support of colleagues.

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• 2-page proposal briefly outlining research interests, proposed research activities and how these align with and can contribute to the success of the Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion:

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note:

The closing date for applications is 1 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interview dates to be confirmed.