Scientific Officer – Liquid Biopsy Research

• Duration of post: 2 years (in the first instance)

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, experimental and computational science into a highly convergent programme. Translational research and clinical implementation is critical to this biomarker agenda.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Scientific Officer to join the Nucleic Acids Biomarker (NAB) team of the NBC. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of biologists, clinicians, engineers, and computational scientists to  support the coordination of the efforts of the NAB team in translational research. The NAB team is developing new sequencing methods (e.g. mutation, methylation, fragmentomics, transcriptomics) and molecular assays generating complex sets of data from liquid biopsy samples.

Using established protocols and procedures and with appropriate training where required, your primary focus will be to provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of innovative technologies for challenging applications related to the use of circulating biomarkers, and their evaluation in the context of translational applications, across multiple different cancer types.

About you:

You will have a degree in a relevant scientific discipline e.g. biology, biochemistry or medical sciences (or equivalent relevant experience) along with relevant experience working in a cancer and/or molecular biology research setting. A MSc in cancer genomics, molecular biology or engineering (or equivalent relevant degree) is desirable. 

Experience and understanding of a range of molecular biology techniques including NGS and PCR is highly desirable, though training will be provided. Experience in processing and analysis of clinical samples is desirable. You should be motivated, organised and willing to work as part of a large multidisciplinary team, with a strong desire to learn new skills and advance cancer research. Effective communication, and basic computer skills are essential, as is understanding of liquid biopsies. Additional basic bioinformatic skills are desirable.

Why choose Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre?

The Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre (https://cruknbc.org/) is a leading and highly specialised translational research centre within The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk), aligned with the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk), and core-funded by Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org), the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In spring 2023 the Institute moved into the state-of-the-art Paterson Building, a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in South Manchester (www.christie.nhs.uk), one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe. These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.

How to apply? To apply for this position please visit our website:  https://apps.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/recruitment/candidate/searchvacancies

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Dr Florent Mouliere via email: florent.mouliere@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 11:59pm on the closing date specified.

Closing date: 8^th June 2025

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