Postdoctoral Fellow - Neuroscientist

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neuroscientist (Li Lab)

Contract term: This is a full‑time, fixed‑term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Reports to: Leanne Li, Group Leader

Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Final date to receive applications: Thursday 11th June 2026 m

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world‑class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

Our Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, cutting‑edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.

The Li lab explores how the nervous and immune systems interact in cancer and how these insights could unlock approaches to treatment.

Using advanced mouse models and tissue culture systems, the team investigates how neuroimmune crosstalk shapes cancer development and progression, with a focus on how the nervous system influences immune responses in tumours.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to spearhead a project tackling one of the major challenges in cancer research:
What is the role of the nervous system in cancer? Can we harness this interaction to treat cancer?

The Postdoctoral Fellow will drive their own projects, while collaborating on other projects (both internally and externally) and guiding PhD students in their research.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing experiments and research strategy in consultation with the PI
• Carrying out experiments and analysing data
• Keeping accurate and timely records of their work
• Engaging in professional development and growth
• Liaise with external collaborators
• Presenting work at Lab meetings, conferences and consortium meetings
• Drafting manuscripts for publication

• PhD (or near completion) in Neuroscience.
• Hands‑on experience with in vivo / animal models.
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientific impact.
• Proven ability to design experiments and interpret data rigorously.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, curious and resilient approach to research.

• Background in body‑brain axis or the peripheral nervous system.
• Experience in neural modulation, neuronal tracing, electrophysiology, behaviour studies, single cell analysis.
• Experience working with genetically engineered mouse models.
• Experience in international, cross‑disciplinary collaborations.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident:
Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email:

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well‑being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well‑being:
• 24/7…