Junior Group Leader

Junior Group Leader

Job Ref: MI/24/14

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute seeks to appoint an outstanding scientist to a new Junior Group Leader position. Applications from individuals with a strong track record in all areas of cancer research will be carefully considered and we are particularly interested in research focused on the tumour microenvironment, tumour-host interactions, and tumour cell plasticity. We especially encourage innovative applications using novel technologies and analytical/computational approaches. We welcome applications across the spectrum of basic discovery science to clinical translation that synergise with existing research strengths within the Institute (www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk) and with clinical colleagues across the Mancunian research ecosystem (www.mcrc.manchester.ac.uk).

Our location on The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (www.christie.nhs.uk) campus and alongside the CRUK National Biomarker Centre augments this incredible opportunity for an ambitious and talented scientist (non-clinical or clinically trained) to launch and/or develop their independent career and to train and mentor the next generation of cancer researchers. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK and provides a stimulating and supportive environment promoting basic and translational cancer research within a wide collaborative network including The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk).

Core funding is provided to every group leader whilst they hold their position at the Institute. As a Junior Group Leader you will receive a significant package of support, including:

• 2 Postdoctoral scientists, a technician and 2 PhD students with running costs.
• Full access to comprehensive and cutting-edge core facilities.
• Access to the Manchester Cancer Research Centre Biobank which collects samples from NHS Foundation Trusts across Manchester, including The Christie.
• Outstanding colleagues and rich opportunities for collaboration.
• Mentorship to elevate grant success, and advice on laboratory and financial management.

What we offer:

• We provide up to 7 years of CRUK core-funded support; appointed on a five-year fixed term contract in the first instance.
• A mid-term review at 4 years that influences career progression beyond 5 years.
• Consideration for promotion to Senior Group Leader at 6 years (dependent on successful mid-term review and Director approval).
• Salary range £58,000 – £65,000 (dependent upon experience).
  For clinically qualified candidates, salary is dependent upon experience and clinical duties (not expected to exceed the equivalent of 1 clinic day per week).
• High quality laboratory space.
• Strong mentorship from Senior Faculty and Institute committees.
• Specific courses available to support new Junior Group Leaders.
• With Director approval, scope for group expansion through applications for external funding with grant review support provided by the Institute’s Grants Advisor and Grants Committee.
• Research Governance oversight and advice provided by the Institute’s Scientific Administration team which includes the Research Integrity and Training Adviser.
• A collegial environment and ethos of team science.

About you:

You will have a PhD in an area relevant to cancer research, significant and productive post-doctoral experience, a proven track record of impactful publications and ideally, some demonstrable success with funding application(s). You will be highly motivated and confident to deliver an exciting and innovative research programme with a balance of ambition and feasibility. You will be able to communicate clear, well-formulated and incisive research plans that lead to important basic cancer research discoveries and/or deliver applied research with potential for translation to address clinical unmet needs. Prior demonstration of research independence would be an advantage.

The CRUK Manchester Institute is committed to equality and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage candidates who reflect diversity in its broadest sense. All appointments will be made on merit.

Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, an Institute of the University of Manchester is a world-leading centre of excellence that sits at the heart of the wider Manchester Cancer Research Centre (mcrc.manchester.ac.uk). The Institute and the adjacent CRUK National Biomarker Centre (that was spun out from the Institute) are core funded by Cancer Research UK (cancerresearchuk.org), the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In 2023, we relocated to the new state-of-the-art Paterson Cancer Research Building with a bespoke design for team science with multi-disciplinarity at its core. The new building is already facilitating our ambitions of integrated basic and translational cancer research, driving forwards research synergies across the Manchester cancer research ecosystem. We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust one of the largest clinical cancer treatment centres in Europe (>19,000 new patients p.a.).  Our research philosophy together with the critical mass of cancer researchers on site provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational, and clinical research programmes. Our research is benefited greatly by the MCRC Tissue Biobank connected to NHS trusts across Greater Manchester.

Manchester is an ever evolving, dynamic, vibrant city offering exceptional standards of living with excellent national and international travel links and beautiful surrounding countryside.

How to apply

To apply for this position please visit our website: http://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/Opportunities/Opportunities-Home

Application documents:

1. Cover Letter.
2. CV including publication list.
3. Future Research Plan (3 pages max).
4. Summary of up to 3 publications (1 page max).
5. Contact details of three referees.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to any of the Institute’s Group Leaders or director@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

The deadline for receipt of applications: Tuesday 7 May 2024.

Interviews scheduled to take place: w.c. 3 June 2024.