Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Target Validation and Genome Stability Group

Key Information
Salary: Dependent on relevant Postdoctoral experience. Future progression is based on annual performance review. If the candidate has completed their viva but has not yet been awarded their PhD, the starting salary will be £35,844, pre-PhD level. Progression to the full PDTF scale will commence once confirmation of PhD award is received. Award must be provided within 6 months of start date.

This role is eligible for ICR Sponsorship. Support will be provided for costs associated with Visa application. If you are considering relocating to the UK, further information can be found here.

Duration of Contract: Fixed Term for 3 years
Hours per week: 35 hours per week (Full Time)
Closing Date: Sunday 12th January 2025
Job Details

Under the leadership of Dr. Joanna Loizou, we are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to investigate the development of new drug targets in breast cancer by expanding our understanding of target biology.
The project will develop targeted therapeutic strategies that exploit cancer-specific vulnerabilities, giving rise to synthetic lethality (Schrempf et al., 2022). This will entail the use of genetic and pharmacologic approaches to understand the therapeutic relevance of specific targets. The candidate will exploit emerging technology and protein degradation tools for robust target validation experiments. Models used will include cell lines, PDO and PDX.

For general information on Post Doc's at The ICR can be found here.

Key Requirements

The successful candidate must have must have a PhD in cell biology, cancer biology, genetics, or similar. Experience in modern cell and molecular biology techniques is essential. Experience with -omics level profiling and handling of large datasets is desired. The post would suit a candidate with strong CRISPR functional genomics, high throughput cell culture and/or DDR experience.

The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 7 years as PDTF at the ICR, providing total postdoctoral experience (including previous employment at this level elsewhere) does not exceed 10 years

Department/Directorate Information:


The Target Validation and Genome Stability Group, led by Dr Joanna Loizou, focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response to generate pre-clinical information that can lead to the identification of novel targets for drug discovery programmes.

The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the ICR is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Our goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is located in state-of-the-art laboratory space, with excellent core facilities and is funded through a long term renewable programme grant from Breast Cancer Now. The Centre is directed by Clinician Scientist Professor Andrew Tutt. Professor Chris Lord is Deputy Director of the Centre. Our Breast Cancer Research Centre was recently awarded the 2022 AACR Team Science award with our breast cancer clinical research partners in the ICR’s CTSU clinical trial unit and Royal Marsden Hospital.
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role.

About The Institute of Cancer Research
Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.

The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles, please click here to find out further information.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back – if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.