Join us at the world-leading CRUK Cambridge Institute. We're a unique department of the University of Cambridge, core funded by Cancer Research UK's charitable activities, and we're eagerly searching for an experienced Senior Scientific Associate (Laboratory Manager) to join our Wang Group.
The Wang Group develops and applies cutting-edge imaging and sequencing methods to bridge the gap between high resolution microscopy and genome-wide discovery. Our research program is focused on creating a quantitative, multi-scale understanding of the cell to reveal fundamental principles linking molecular-level organisation to cellular functions and pathological states.
We seek an experienced, organised and collaborative individual for this role, which combines laboratory management and scientific support with hands-on experimental research. You will have the unique opportunity to take on a leadership role in a new lab, assisting Dr. Wang in managing projects in the lab, developing new scientific directions, and providing technical assistance and guidance to PhD students, postdocs and research assistants.
We are interested in individuals who are flexible in leading independent projects, as well as working collaboratively within and outside of the group, and helping others when needed. You should be enthusiastic about setting up a positive lab culture, including effective teamwork, communication and organised systems (for data/code/reagents/record keeping). You should be detail-oriented and have a positive, can-do attitude to problem-solving.
What you will do in this post
Laboratory set-up: Plan lab layout with the Institute's estates and facilities teams; coordinate delivery, installation and commissioning of equipment; and bring the space to a state where research can begin safely and efficiently.
Equipment and procurement: Specify and cost major and minor equipment, obtain quotations, place orders and negotiate with vendors; arrange service contracts, calibration and preventative maintenance; and manage faults, warranties and repairs.
Safety and compliance: Own the group's health-and-safety framework, including COSHH and genetic-modification risk assessments, local rules, laser safety where applicable, waste streams and training records; act as the group's point of contact for the Institute's safety and compliance teams.
Systems, data and records: Establish and maintain the group's electronic laboratory notebook, data storage and backup, code repositories, standard operating procedures, and inventories for reagents, antibodies, cell lines, consumables and samples.
Budget and stock: Monitor consumable expenditure against the group's budget, place and reconcile orders, manage stock levels and minimise waste, and help the Group Leader forecast equipment and consumable spend.
Induction, training and supervision: Induct every new member of the group, train them in the group's methods and standards, maintain training and competence records, and provide day-to-day supervision and technical guidance to research assistants, students and postdoctoral researchers.
Core experimental platforms: Establish, validate, benchmark and document the group's core platforms so that others can run them reliably; troubleshoot failures and distinguish instrument artefact from biological signal.
Your own research: Lead or co-lead experimental and method-development projects through to publication, and contribute to the group's scientific direction.
Supporting the Group Leader: Contribute to project planning, prioritisation and allocation of shared resources; assist with recruitment, grant applications and funder reports; and deputise on operational matters as required.
Group culture: Organise group meetings, seminars and retreats, and help build a safe, inclusive and enjoyable working environment.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 7th September 2026
Interview Date: To be Confirmed
Please quote reference SW50802 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
