Scientific Officer

Duration: fixed term until 31^st March 2028 (in the first instance)

About the role:

The goal of the CRUK National Biomarker Centre (NBC) is to discover, 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, molecular and computational science into a highly convergent programme.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Scientific Officer 2 to join the Rare Cell Team in NBC working with Dr Dominic G. Rothwell, and to contribute to work on the detection and analysis of circulating cancer-associated cells in patient blood samples. The role will involve joining a dynamic team of scientist that detect and characterise these clinically informative cells to better understand their utility in predicting patients’ response to treatments and likelihood of disease relapse.

The role will also involve analysis of additional blood-based biomarkers, such as circulating tumour DNA, to facilitate the development of more sensitive, multi-analyte biomarkers. The successful candidate will provide technical support for the development and assessment of these next generation liquid biomarkers.

Working closely with experienced staff, the appointee will be aligned to the processing, banking and analysis of important clinical trial samples and will be required to work under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations. All the required training and supervision will be provided.

About you:

The successful candidates will possess a BSc degree or equivalent in Biological Sciences or related subject (or equivalent relevant experience), along with relevant experience of working in a laboratory environment.

Highly desirable is a keen interest in cancer biology and experience of handling clinical samples, ideally working in a cancer research setting. Effective communication, good organisational skills and basic computer skills are essential. Previous experience working in a Good Laboratory Practice (GCP) environment would also be advantageous.

Why choose the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre?

We are an internationally leading, 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 NBC 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 and a perfect location for a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative Cancer Biomarker Centre.

How to apply

For any Informal enquiries please contact Dominic Rothwell email: dominic.rothwell@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

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

Closing date: Sunday 13 September 2026

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