Close up on microscope stage fine controls, Xiong lab

Group leader careers

The Gurdon Institute provides an exceptional and stimulating environment for research and is an ideal place to establish yourself as a new group leader

Tubes of reagents in a rack on lab bench St Johnston lab

Who are we looking for?

Candidates for our sought-after group leader positions will have a PhD, have completed highly successful postdoctoral research, and be well underway in establishing themselves as an internationally recognised expert in their field.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Establishing a strong track record of high impact research papers
  • Providing academic training and supervision for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
  • Establishing research collaborations
  • Presenting research outcomes to international audiences
  • Applying for grant funding, and managing the group budget and resources

Benefits of joining the Gurdon Institute

Embedded in the University of Cambridge, the Gurdon Institute provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research in a supportive and modern setting.

Successful applicants to our group leader positions will be supported to apply for career-development-level fellowships, receive a start-up package, and have full access to all Institute facilities, including an exceptional team of core staff. You will also become a faculty member of a Department in the University of Cambridge and be able to join the Cambridge Cancer Centre, a major University-wide initiative supported by Cancer Research UK to promote engagement and research in cancer biology.

The University of Cambridge provides access to outstanding colleagues and world-class PhD programmes. As a Gurdon Institute group leader, you will become part of the largest biomedical research campus in Europe, encompassing the University and surrounding Institutes and local hospital trusts.

Egg boxes in the Xiong lab
Fengzhu Xiong colour portrait

At the Gurdon I have received great advice on grant applications and lab management from world-class colleagues, which was tremendously important for someone starting a new group.

Fengzhu Xiong, group leader
Researcher reaches into inclubator to remove culture dishes

The Institute’s bridging funding allowed me time to publish three papers and submit competitive senior fellowship applications. I would not have succeeded as a PI trying to navigate the ‘fellowship system’ without practical Institute support.

Female group leader