Postdoctoral Training Fellow - In vivo Modelling Team (Prof Cathrin Brisken)

Key Information

Salary: Dependent on relevant Postdoctoral experience. Future progression is based on annual performance review. 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)

Location: Chelsea

Closing Date : 24 October 2025

Job Details

Under the guidance of Professor Cathrin Brisken, we are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and ambitious Postdoctoral Training Fellow with experience in complex preclinical in vivo models. This position builds on recent work demonstrating that intraductal implantation of human cells yields ER+ breast cancer models that faithfully recapitulate many features of the human disease. The aim is to expand and enhance the use of these advanced patient-derived models for preclinical studies across the centre, accelerate clinical translation, and exploit PDX panels for biomarker development.

About You

The successful candidate must have a PhD in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology or similar. Knowledge of Tumour-Stromal interactions, cancer biology are essential as is experience of m ouse models of cancer ( in vivo work). Candidates who are nearing completion of their PhD may apply, but confirmation on awarded PhD is required within 6 months of employment. 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 7 years. For general information on Postdocs at The ICR, more information can be found here .

Department/Directorate Information

The In Vivo Modelling Team, part of our wider Translation Support Team, generates and characterizes patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of breast cancer subtypes that were previously unavailable due to poor engraftment rates such as estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) and lobular breast cancers, using Mammary Intraductal Modelling (MIND ) as well as other innovative PDX approaches . These models enable longitudinal study of therapy response in patients and facilitate investigations into endocrine and other targeted therapy resistance. The team is embedded within the Division of Breast Cancer Research’s Breast Cancer Now Research Centre at the ICR’s laboratories in Chelsea, London. We have a highly supportive and interactive research environment, and state of the art facilities for cell biology, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing and structural biology. We also closely interact with other teams within our Research Centre and wider divisions at the ICR. This includes our Data Science team, Proteomics, and Drug Discovery Division’s Medicinal Chemistry team.

Department/Directorate Information

The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, within the Division of Breast Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research began 25 years ago and was 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, a Cancer Biologist is Deputy Director of the Centre. Our Breast Cancer Research Centre was awarded the 2022 AACR Team Science award with our breast cancer clinical partners in the ICR's CTSU clinical trial unit and Royal Marsden Hospital, and also received recognition in an award to the ICR for the 2024 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for transforming lives through world-leading breast cancer research.

What We Offer

A dynamic and supportive research environment

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities

Collaboration with leading researchers in the field

Competitive salary and pension

We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Professor Cathrin Brisken via email at [email protected]

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.