MI/24/58_2 – Postdoctoral Scientist – RNA Dynamics in Cancer group

Key Details

Job ID:
MI/24/58_2
Role:
Postdoctoral Scientist
Salary:
Starting salary in the range: £37,000 – £44,852 (dependent upon qualifications and experience)
Closing date:
7th May 2025

About the role

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

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.

Photo of Junior Group Leader Sylvain Delaunay
Paterson Building Scientific Administration

More information

Group Leader Sylvain Delaunay

Dr Sylvain Delaunay is a Junior Group Leader at the CRUK Manchester Institute where he leads the RNA Dynamics in Cancer group. His research group focuses on the characterisation of the mechanisms by which diet influences the dynamics of RNA to drive cell state transition in the tumour. 

The RNA Dynamics in Cancer group

The RNA Dynamics in Cancer group is interested in exploring the impact of diet on breast cancer progression. The aim is to identify key molecular factors involved in this process and target them to prevent cancer growth and metastasis.

Diet represents a significant factor in cancer predisposition, with certain dietary habits known to increase the risk of specific cancers. While much research has focused on the role of diet in cancer initiation, far less is known about how dietary factors influence the progression of the disease.

Diet is a major non-genetic driver of cell state transitions, as it shapes the metabolic environment and alters the nutrient availability of cancer cells. Understanding these relationships could open new avenues for dietary interventions in the treatment of breast cancer.

About CRUK Manchester Institute

Our aim is to understand the fundamental basis of cancer and apply that knowledge to developing new treatment strategies for cancer patients. Our advanced research programmes span a spectrum of cancer research, from the molecular and cellular basis of cancer through to drug discovery, translational research and clinical trials.
The Institute has access to outstanding laboratory facilities and exceptional core services, including next generation sequencing, microarrays, confocal microscopy, bioinformatics, histology and mass-spectrometry.

Group Leader Sylvain Delaunay
The RNA Dynamics in Cancer group
About CRUK Manchester Institute

How to apply

To apply for this position please complete the online application through our secure online portal, JobMarker, which you can access by clicking the Apply Now button.

Please ensure you detail the names of three referees and ensure you submit your application before 11:59pm on the closing date.

Closing date: 7 May 2025

Online Interviews will take place: 19-23 May 2025

For any informal enquiries about this post, please use this form to contact Sylvain Delaunay

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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 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, which is located adjacent to the CRUK MI Manchester Institute in South Manchester. These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.

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