Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Dr. Riccardo Mezzadra
Dissecting the Interplay Between Senescence and Antitumor Immunity in Liver Cancer
Salary: from £39,253 to £45,505 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. As well as core support from Cancer Research UK, the Institute also receives an additional third of its total income from external grants and industry collaborations. It has an excellent reputation for fundamental cancer research, including world-class metabolism studies and renowned in vivo modelling of tumour growth and metastasis.
Project Outline
Join the newly established laboratory of Dr Riccardo Mezzadra, launching in March 2027 and funded through a CRUK Career Development Fellowship. Dr Mezzadra's research focuses on understanding how conventional cancer therapies shape anti-tumour immune responses, with particular expertise in T cell immunology, tumour-immune interactions, and the use of advanced in vivo models to investigate mechanisms of anti-cancer immunity.
This is an exciting opportunity to become the first postdoctoral scientist in a growing research group investigating how conventional cancer therapies influence anti-tumour immunity and responses to immunotherapy. Working closely with the Group Leader, you will lead innovative studies combining in vivo cancer models, tumour and immune microenvironment profiling, genetic perturbation approaches, and functional screening strategies to address fundamental questions in cancer immunology.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver research using in vivo mouse models of cancer, including therapeutic interventions and tissue collection.
- Investigate how cancer therapies influence tumour-immune interactions through in vivo and ex vivo experimental approaches.
- Apply tumour and immune profiling techniques, including flow cytometry and spatial analyses, to characterise treatment responses.
- Develop and utilise genetic perturbation and screening approaches to identify factors that regulate anti-tumour immunity.
- Establish new experimental protocols and research workflows within a newly formed laboratory.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the Institute and external partners.
- Publish research findings in leading journals and present at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to the supervision and development of students and junior researchers.
About You
Essential
- PhD (completed or near completion) in tumour immunology, cancer biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
- Experience in laboratory-based research relevant to cancer biology and/or immunology.
- Ability to work independently and drive research projects forward.
- Strong communication and collaborative working skills.
Desirable
- Experience working with in vivo mouse models of cancer.
- Expertise in immunology.
- Knowledge of molecular biology, genetic manipulation, or functional screening approaches.
For informal enquiries, please email Dr Riccardo Mezzadra at riccardo.mezzadra@glasgow.ac.uk
Postdoc support
Postdocs are key members of our research community, and we offer them a range of opportunities to train and develop as researchers while they are with us:
- 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.
Equity, 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. These values, which underpin our behaviours and everything we do, allow all our people to realise their full potential. 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 ethos, 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.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 40.5 days annual leave including bank holidays (FTE)
- Defined contribution pension scheme
- Free life assurance scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Additional maternity pay for 6 months at full salary
- Shared parental leave including up to 6 weeks paid at full salary
- Cycle to work scheme saving tax and NI on cycle purchase and spreading repayments over up to 12 months
- Access to employee benefit schemes with discounts on supermarkets, cinema, travel and much more.
- On-site secure parking
All applications must be made via our website:
https://www.crukscotlandinstitute.ac.uk/careers/current-vacancies/
Closing date: 4th December 2026
