Associate Scientist

Background:

The Cancer Dynamics Laboratory (Turajlic) studies the evolutionary principles that shape cancer — from its genomic origins to its interactions with the immune system and response to therapy. Our research integrates patient data, experimental models, and computational approaches to understand how tumours evolve, evade, and respond, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer outcomes.

We are expanding our research footprint with the establishment of the Cancer Dynamics Lab – Manchester, a new hub at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI). Operating across sites at CRUK MI and the Francis Crick Institute, this is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative and ambitious team at the interface of discovery and translation.

The Associate Scientist will be involved in running independent research projects including supervising teams of scientists (including postgraduate research students/projects). The Associate Scientist will be required to build collaborations with academics and scientists in other departments and institutions in order to maximise the research output of the Group.

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Associate Scientist to help lead and shape the programme. You will act as an operational deputy to Professor Samra Turajlic, helping to bridge activities between the two sites, supervise projects and researchers, drive key scientific initiatives, and contribute to the writing of high-impact papers and competitive grants. The role will be based at CRUK MI but expected to integrate closely with the team in the Crick and work effectively across sites.

This role offers genuine independence, leadership responsibility, and visibility, within the University of Manchester and CRUK MI. The Associate Scientist will play a central role in delivering our strategic vision and advancing CRUK’s mission to beat cancer sooner.

About you:

You should have a PhD in cancer biology, biochemistry or a relevant discipline along with extensive postdoctoral experience gained in a cancer research laboratory. You will have high levels of organisational and time management skills and the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands and work to deadlines with limited supervision

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
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

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.

Our aim is to understand the fundamental basis of cancer and apply that knowledge to developing new treatment strategies for cancer patients.  Our advanced research programmes span a spectrum of cancer research, from the molecular and cellular basis of cancer through to drug discovery, translational research and clinical trials.

The Institute has access to outstanding laboratory facilities and exceptional core services, including next generation sequencing, microarrays, confocal microscopy, bioinformatics, histology and mass-spectrometry.  

Take a look around the Institute

How to apply?

For further information about the project and to apply for this position please visit our website:  https://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/careers/

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Prof Samra Turajlic: samra.turajlic@cruk.manchester.ac.uk  

Closing date: Sunday 31 May 2026.

Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 18:00 hours on the closing date specified.