Scientific Officer

About the role:

The goal of the CRUK National Biomarker Centre (NBC), is to develop, validate, and implement biomarkers that facilitate the optimisation of cancer patient treatment. In this regard, the NBC is an acknowledged world leader in the study of minimally invasive biomarkers, or liquid biopsies, for improving cancer management. Our biomarker research integrates clinical, molecular and computational science into a highly convergent programme.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Scientific Officer to join the Rare Cell Team in NBC and to contribute to work on the detection and analysis of circulating cancer-associated cells in patient blood samples. The role will involve joining a dynamic team of scientist that detect and characterise these clinically informative cells to better understand their utility in predicting patients’ response to treatments and likelihood of disease relapse.

The role will also involve analysis of additional blood-based biomarkers, such as circulating tumour DNA, to facilitate the development of more sensitive, multi-analyte biomarkers. The successful candidate will provide technical support for the development and assessment of these next generation liquid biomarkers.

Working closely with experienced staff, the appointee will be aligned to the processing, banking and analysis of important clinical trial samples and will be required to work under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations. All the required training and supervision will be provided.

About you:

The successful candidates will possess a BSc degree (or equivalent) in Biological Sciences or related subject (or equivalent relevant experience) along with relevant experience working in a laboratory setting. Experience of handling clinical samples and working to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards is desirable as is experience of a range of relevant Circulating Tumour Cells (CTC) and antibody-based assays.

Effective communication, good organizational skills and basic computer skills are essential Previous experience working in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment would also be advantageous.

Why choose Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre?

The Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre is a leading and highly specialised translational research centre within The University of Manchester, core funded by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.

Our Centre discovers, develops, validates and qualifies biomarkers in clinical studies and trials that detect cancer earlier and predict and monitor therapy responses to support optimised treatment of patients with cancer. Our advanced research programmes, agnostic to cancer type, develop biomarkers in tissue and less invasive clinical samples such as blood (liquid biopsy) with sophisticated bioinformatic and artificial intelligence solutions for multi-modal laboratory and clinical biomarker data analysis and interpretation. Our preclinical programmes focus on development of pharmacodynamic biomarker and evaluation the efficacy of novel therapeutics in patient derived models.  As a bridge between discovery science and clinical research, we are highly collaborative across Manchester, nationally and internationally.

How to apply?

To apply for this position please visit our website: https://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/recruitment/candidate/home

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Dr Dominic G. Rothwell: dominic.rothwell@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

Closing date: 7 April 2024 at 11:59pm.

Interview date: 18 April 2024.

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