Postdoctoral Scientist Systems Oncology Group

CRUK Manchester Institute; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

CRUK Manchester Institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Systems Oncology Group. The role focuses on learning and applying novel phosphoproteomics methods to pancreatic cancer samples, with collaboration between the White lab in the USA and the Jorgensen lab in the UK.

You will contribute to experimental design, work in a multidisciplinary team, and spend time in both laboratories to advance the project and publish impactful findings.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, cancer biology or related field.
• Experience in protein biochemistry and analysis of cell signalling is essential.
• Prior experience with (phospho)proteomics and in vivo cancer models is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Systems Oncology Group to design and develop ongoing research projects.
• Learn, optimise and apply novel sample processing methodologies for phosphoproteomics analysis.
• Work across the White lab (MIT, MA, USA) and Jorgensen lab (CRUK MI, UK) to drive the project forward.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Cell signalling analysis

Phosphoproteomics

In vivo cancer models

Education

PhD in biochemistry or related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Duration: 3-year fixed term

About the role:

Professor Claus Jørgensen 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, meticulous and organised candidate with an interest in protein biochemistry, cell signalling and proteomics analysis to undertake a cutting‑edge research question and work across an international collaboration.

The goal of the Systems Oncology Group is to understand how the tumour microenvironment, and the desmoplastic reaction in particular, regulate tumour cell signalling and therapeutic response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The objective of this post is to learn, optimise and apply novel cutting‑edge sample processing methodologies for cell specific phosphoproteomics analysis of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Specifically, you will work across the White lab (MIT, MA, USA) and Jorgensen lab (CRUK MI, UK) to learn the methodology (White lab) and apply it to PDAC 3D and in vivo samples (Jorgensen lab). The post holder is expected to interact collaboratively with members of the laboratories and contribute to the design and development of on‑going research projects in support of the Systems Oncology group.

About you:

You should have a PhD in biochemistry, cancer biology or a related field. Prior experience in protein biochemistry and analysis of cell signalling is essential and prior experience with (phospho)proteomics and in vivo models of cancer is beneficial. 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. Given the collaborative nature of the project, you are expected to spend time in both laboratories.

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.

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 Professor Claus Jørgensen via email: claus.jorgensen@ cruk.manchester.ac.uk.

Closing date: 30 October 2026

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