Postdoctoral Scientist – RNA dynamics in cancer

Postdoctoral Scientist – RNA dynamics in cancer

Starting salary in the range: £37,000 - £44,852 (dependent upon qualifications and experience)

Job Ref: MI/25/57

Duration: 3 years fixed term

About the role:

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Sylvain Delaunay to study how diet affects RNA modifications to drive cancer progression.

To this end, xenotransplantation models and multimodal molecular profiling techniques will be used, combined with diverse bioinformatics approaches, centred around RNA biology (i.e., CRISPR-screen, Ribo-seq, RNA-seq, Nanopore-seq). Besides biological material coming from primary cell lines and in vivo mouse models, we will also have access to patient samples to use as discovery and validation of our findings.

About you:

You are adept at problem-solving, working proactively, and meeting competing deadlines effectively. You should hold a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacy or a related discipline. A background in RNA biology and mRNA translation is desirable but not required. You should have an excellent academic track record for publications. You will have excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. A current or previous holder of a Personal Licence (PIL A & B) or equivalent under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, as well as experience in CRISPR-screen is preferrable. Applications from candidates with exceptional bioinformatics skills who are eager to gain hands-on wet lab experience are also welcome.

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.

How to apply?

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 Sylvain Delaunay, email: sylvain.delaunay@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 11:59pm on the closing date specified.

Closing date: Sunday 26 October 2025.

Online Interviews will take place: 10th-14th November 2025.

This role is being advertised on behalf of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.