Research Associate in Proton Radiobiology

Job reference: BMH-028949

Salary: £37,174 to £45,413 per annum dependent on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health

Location: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Division of Cancer Sciences

Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 12/06/2025

Contract Duration: Until 30/10/2026 (with a view to extension)

School/Directorate: School of Medical Sciences

The University of Manchester is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate in Proton Radiobiology to join the world-leading CRUK RadNet Manchester team – a Radiation Research Centre of Excellence established through a prestigious Cancer Research UK initiative.

Primarily based at the state-of-the-art Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in precision radiotherapy, supporting RadNet and broader research objectives.

The successful candidate will actively support and collaborate on pre-clinical radiobiology research focused on investigating the biological effects of proton versus photon radiation. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing 2D and 3D in vitro cell model systems to facilitate a deeper understanding of the therapies across various tumour types. The role also involves the analysis of multiomic endpoints to identify biomarkers of radioresistance, supporting the development of predictive tools to optimise treatment responses.

In addition to delivering high-quality science, the postholder will support the operational and technical aspects of the proton research beamline infrastructure, enabling effective use of the facility for these cutting-edge experiments.

Applicants should hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD in cancer biology, radiobiology or a related biological science. Substantial experience in mammalian cell culture, 2D tissue culture, radiation biology assays, and molecular/cell biology techniques is essential. You should be confident working independently and collaboratively across teams and institutions and be flexible in your working hours to support experiments scheduled during night and weekend beam access slots. Experience with proton irradiation research and 3D tissue culture would be highly desirable.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Helena Kondryn

Email: helena.j.kondryn@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

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