Associate Scientist

We seek a motivated and ambitious individual to work alongside us to deliver an internationally recognised CRUK core funded programme in SCLC discovery research. This career defining opportunity offers research independence, national and international visibility and leadership responsibility. The Associate Scientist will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our strategic vision to improve the treatment of this aggressive lung cancer.

About Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Biology Group:

Please visit our website to view information about Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Biology Research Group.

About the role:

Working closely with Group leads Prof Caroline Dive and Dr Kathryn Simpson, the post holder will contribute to our research strategy. You will supervise staff and students to deliver ongoing SCLC biology projects and develop your own ideas to attract new funding and initiate and lead new projects. You will author publication outputs and represent the Group at National and International Conferences. You will also become a member of the CRUK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence.

About you:

You will have a PhD in cancer biology, molecular and/or cell biology, molecular pharmacology or a related discipline and relevant experience in a cancer research laboratory. Our ideal candidate will have a strong track record in basic discovery cancer research, (ideally in lung and/or neuroendocrine cancers) with proven cell and molecular biology and/or pharmacology skills including experience working with a range of in vivo preclinical models. Extensive post-doctoral experience gained in academia and/or the biotechnology/Pharma sectors, together with extensive experience in studying tumour biology, including function testing studies (e.g. CRISPR, degrons, screening), are essential for the role. You will be a proactive problem solver who relishes a challenge. With experience in supervising early career researchers and in manuscript and grant writing, you will be pivotal to the success of research projects within the SCLC Biology Group and the maintenance of our international reputation in the field of SCLC research. You will enjoy teamwork and gain satisfaction from both personal and team success.

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.  The Institute is closely aligned to and juxtaposed with the CRUK National Biomarker Centre directed by Prof Dive where our translational studies on SCLC are carried out. The Institute resides in 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.

How to apply?

Please submit your application before 18:00 hours on 14^th June 2026.

1st stage Interview: 29 June 2026.

For informal enquiries, please contact:

Prof Caroline Dive: caroline.dive@cruk.manchester.ac.uk or

Dr Kathryn Simpson: Kathryn.simpson@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

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