Careers Lab
Take your first step into a career in cancer research.
Our Careers Lab Work Experience Programme offers Year 12 students a unique, week-long opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a variety of departments at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.
Designed to provide practical insights into diverse professional fields, the programme aims to challenge preconceptions about working in science and support our mission to beat cancer sooner. Students will engage in a rotational placement, allowing them to experience both research and operational roles, offering a comprehensive view of how different teams contribute to cancer research.
Apply nowProgramme Structure
Rather than focusing on a single area, students will rotate through different departments during their placement.
You will spend 2 days in a research team, 1 day in a core facility, and 1 day in an operations team.
-
Day 1: Operations
Gain exposure to the essential non-scientific roles that keep the Institute running smoothly. Explore departments such as Finance & Grants, Human Resources, and Property Services, and learn how our operations teams support the Institute’s scientific goals.
-
Day 2: Core Facilities
Our Core Facilities provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise, and training.
The facilities play a crucial role within the Institute, working in partnership with research groups to support innovation, and ensuring our scientists are using the most up-to-date technologies to streamline their research. -
Day 3 and 4: Research
Delve into cancer biology and experience cutting-edge research in action. Interact with our Core Facilities, where experts in microscopy, genomics, and animal technology apply innovative techniques to advance cancer research.
-
Day 5: Final presentations
Students will be supported to present what they have done during the week to their cohort and CRUK Cambridge Institute.
Available Placements
A list of available placements will be provided to students below, allowing them to express preferences for departments they are particularly interested in on their application. Students must select at least one department from each (e.g. Operations- Finance; Research- Ali Group; Core Facilities- Histopathology).
While we strive to accommodate interests, we cannot guarantee placement in preferred areas. The rotational design ensures all students gain a holistic understanding of both scientific and operational roles, preparing them for a wide range of career paths.
Whether you’re passionate about pursuing a career in research or interested in the non-scientific roles that enable vital cancer research, our Careers Lab Work Experience Programme provides a broad introduction to the dynamic world of cancer research.
Laboratory placements
-
Hannon Group
Find out moreThe Hannon Group is dedicated to understanding the biology of piRNA regulation, from production of piRNAs to transposon silencing.
-
Jackson Group
Find out moreThe Jackson Group focuses on understanding how cells protect and repair their DNA to ensure genome stability.
-
Markowetz Group
Find out moreThe Markowetz Group at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute combines computational and experimental research to answer important questions about cancer biology.
-
Ali Group
Find out moreThe Ali Group specialises in understanding how breast tumours behave as complex ecosystems.
-
Gilbertson Group
Find out moreThe Gilbertson Lab is dedicated to improving outcomes for children with brain tumours.
-
Carroll Group
Find out moreThe Carroll Lab specialises in understanding how steroid receptors (proteins that control gene activity) influence breast cancer.
-
Balasubramanian Group
Find out moreThe Balasubramanian Laboratory specialises in studying nucleic acid structures including four-stranded DNA and epigenetic base modifications such as methylation and hydroxymethylation of cytosines.
-
Halim Group
Find out moreThe Halim Group is interested in understanding the role of a special group of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).
-
Bohndiek Group
Find out moreOur lab combines cutting-edge imaging technologies with computer-based models to study cancer in both patients and mouse models (used to mimic how cancer behaves in humans).
-
de la Roche
Find out moreOur lab specialises in studying the immune system within the cancer context, with focus in a cancer-dysregulated pathway – the Hedgehog Signalling pathway.
Core facility placements
-
Biological Resource Unit
Find out moreOur facility focuses on the care and well-being of lab animals and provides training on important techniques and legal guidelines.
-
Histopathology
Find out moreOur Histopathology Core Facility specialises in providing a variety of routine and advanced histological techniques to support cancer research.
-
Pre-clinical genome editing
Find out moreOur team specialises in using CRISPR Technology to make models of cancer.
-
Research information and cell services
Find out moreThe RICS Core Facility provides access to a wide range of high-end laboratory instrumentation and specialised cell services
-
Genomics
Find out moreOur Genomics Department specialises in providing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services to support cancer and biomedical research.
-
Microscopy
Find out moreOur Microscopy Core Facility is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging platforms that support cancer and biomedical research.
Operations placements
-
Compliance and Biobanking
Find out moreOur core team provides expertise and training in all aspects of biobanking, ensuring that samples are stored, tracked, and managed securely and efficiently.
-
Finance and Grants
Find out moreThis work experience placement will provide valuable insight into how financial operations support world-class research and ensure effective resource management across the Institute.
-
Grants
Find out moreThe Grants Department at CRUK CI provides critical support to Group Leaders, scientists, and students by helping them secure and manage external research funding.
-
Laboratory Management
Find out moreThe Laboratory Management team plays a crucial role in supporting the Institute’s ever-evolving research activities.
-
Property Services
Find out moreThe Property Services team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and upkeep of the Institute’s facilities.
-
Academic Development
Find out moreOur team plays a vital role in supporting and enhancing the academic experience of current and future postgraduate students at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in sixth form, or equivalent, and currently in Year 12. Preferences will be given to Year 12 students but Year 13 students are welcome to apply.
Criteria
What are we looking for?
- Interest in the programme:
We seek candidates who genuinely demonstrate a keen interest in the Careers Lab programme, showcasing a passion for the opportunities it presents and a clear understanding of how it aligns with their personal and professional goals. - Intellectual curiosity:
We value candidates who exhibit a strong sense of intellectual curiosity, an eagerness to explore new ideas, and a proactive approach to learning. Individuals who enjoy delving into diverse topics and consistently seek to broaden their knowledge are highly regarded. - Perseverance:
Perseverance is a key attribute we look for in candidates. We seek individuals who demonstrate resilience, determination, and the ability to navigate challenges effectively. Candidates who view setbacks as opportunities for growth and consistently strive to overcome obstacles align well with this criterion. - Commitment to improving the lives of others:
We are interested in candidates who show a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. This can manifest in various forms, such as a dedication to community service, a passion for social causes, or a desire to contribute to the well-being and advancement of individuals and communities.
Applicants are encouraged to reflect on these criteria and showcase specific examples from their experiences that highlight their alignment with these qualities.
Timeline
- Application Period: 20th January – 16th February 2025
- Shortlisting: February 2025
- Interviews Scheduled (virtual or in person): February – March 2025
- Final Placements Confirmation: Late April 2025
- Careers Lab Programme (in person): 30th June – 4 July 2025
How we select
Careers Lab uses a comprehensive two-stage selection process to ensure that our placements align with our criteria:
Application Form
To be considered for a Careers Lab Work Experience placement for Year 12, completion of the application form in full is mandatory.
Shortlisting and Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual or in person interview to assess their alignment with the four Careers Lab criteria.
The brief interview will assess your motivations for applying to the programme. Alternative arrangements will be made to accommodate individuals with limited internet accessibility.
Details about the format and arrangements will be sent according to the application timeline.
If not called for an interview, you will receive an email confirming that your application was not successful.
Please note that we are not able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Contact us: mailbox-workexp@cruk.cam.ac.uk with any additional queries!
Apply now