Postdoctoral Scientists - Systems Oncology Group

Duration: Fixed term until 28 February 2027

About the role:

Dr Claus Jorgensen, Group Leader of the Systems Oncology Group, is looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join his group. This is a great opportunity for a self-motivated, innovative, meticulous and organised candidate who is keen to work in a dynamic laboratory undertaking cutting edge research.

The goal of the Systems Oncology Group is to understand how the tumour microenvironment, and the desmoplastic reaction, regulates tumour cell function and therapeutic response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We have identified a novel target regulating the interactions between tumour cells and the microenvironment, which we believe may be a target for future therapeutic intervention.

The objective of this post is to functionally characterise this target and its role in regulating tumour cells, host cells, and their interactions. Specifically, the post holder will use a number of in vitro cell biology assays to assess cell function and biochemical assays to assess cell signalling in vitro; this will include functional CRISPR screening and mass spectrometry analysis in 2D and 3D cell models. Tumour models will be analysed by IF/IHC, proteomics, genomics and transcriptionally as well as testing novel combination treatments using available in vivo models (see Hutton et al Cancer Cell 2021, Lee et al Nat Comm 2021 and Below et al Nat Mat 2022). This is a project for a highly collaborative individual seeking to make a difference in a very hard to treat cancer. 

About you:

You should have a PhD in biochemistry, cancer biology, cell biology, immunology or a related field. Experience in protein biochemistry, analysis of cell signalling and use of in vitro models of cancer is required. Experience with in vivo tumour models and immunology is desirable. Key qualities include independent thinking, ability to work in a team and good communication skills, all of which are needed to efficiently work in a multidisciplinary team.

Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk), an Institute of The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk), is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research.  The Institute is 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 new Paterson Building, a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (www.christie.nhs.uk), in South Manchester.

We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust,  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. 

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Claus Jorgensen via email: claus.jorgensen@ cruk.manchester.ac.uk.

Closing date: Sunday 6 July 2025

1^st round interviews w.c. 21 July 2025

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