Junior Group Leader

Are you a talented early career cancer researcher wishing to establish your first independent research group? If so, why not consider joining us at the CRUK Scotland Institute and School of Cancer Sciences (University of Glasgow).  Our tenure-track Junior Group Leader post comes with an initial 5-year competitive support package and full access to state-of-the-art research facilities, enabled through generous Cancer Research UK funding to the Scotland Institute. In addition, you will have access to a comprehensive network of both academic and administrative support, e.g., for mentoring and recruitment of team members. 

The CRUK Scotland Institute is one of Europe's leading cancer research centres, situated in Glasgow and hosting approximately 350 talented researchers at various career stages, including several Junior Group Leaders. We are renowned for our world-class in vivo modelling of tumour growth and metastasis and have an excellent reputation for cutting-edge discovery and translational research in our three key strategic areas: biology of early disease; energetic stress / cancer metabolism; and microenvironment / metastasis. As well as generous core funding from Cancer Research UK, we receive an additional third of our total income from external grants and industry collaborations. 

We value our highly collaborative research environment fostered by our focus on teamwork and our outstanding state-of-the-art modelling, imaging, omics and data science technologies and expertise, to which the successful candidate will have full access.   

We are also closely allied with the School of Cancer Sciences (University of Glasgow), which  is supported by numerous external grants, including the CRUK Scotland Centre, and which is located on the same campus. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cancersciences/ 

The Wolfson-Wohl Translational Cancer Research Centre houses numerous clinical, translational and basic scientists involved in precision oncology. The School of Cancer Sciences was recently awarded a Gold Athena Swan Award, in recognition of its exceptional commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education and research. 

The overarching research ethos of the CRUK Scotland Institute is about excellence, honesty, openness, accountability and integrity. The diversity of our staff and students is also what makes the Institute such a vibrant place to work and advance discoveries in cancer research. Family friendly policies, our collaborative spirit, a focus on good mental health and well-being and opportunities for all help to create an enjoyable and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.  We actively support applications from women and those from underrepresented backgrounds and identities.   

We are therefore inviting applications from talented individuals with aspirations to become an independent Junior Group Leader within a leading cancer research facility and establish a programme of research that aligns with our key strategic areas and enriches our current research efforts. You will be a highly motivated research scientist who is both on track to establish themselves and have ambitions to become a future leader in their field of cancer research. 

Applications from clinical candidates are encouraged.  However, we ask that you make a pre-submission enquiry so that we are aware of your speciality area and any possible requirements for clinical sessions. 

The successful applicant should have the following: 

• A PhD in a relevant discipline
• Evidence of developing independent research and relevant collaborations, ideally in the area of cancer research
• Interest in the therapeutic value of translating research
• A track record of novel and innovative research that demonstrates impact in their field
• Plans to develop the relevant skills and knowledge to drive the development of their own independent research group
• A developing international network
• Evidence of starting to develop their translational skills and network
• Leadership skills gained through effective supervision of junior scientists
• Evidence of strong communication skills gained through sharing their research within the wider community 

Competitive starting salary (depending on experience and level of fellowship funding but typically circa £60K) plus relocation allowance of up to £8,000 and costs paid for visa if required, including IHS charges. 

Further information on our research activities, infrastructure and facilities is available on our website www.crukscotlandinstitute.ac.uk 

For informal enquiries, please email Prof Vicky Cowling victoria.cowling@glasgow.ac.uk or Prof Gareth Inman gareth.inman@glasgow.ac.uk 

All applications should be made via our website by clicking on the 'Apply' button above.

Closing Date: 10th October 2025, but we may contact promising candidates on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are ready.