MI/25/33_2 Postdoctoral Scientist

Key Details

Job ID:
MI/25/33_2
Role:
Postdoctoral Scientist
Salary:
£37,000 – £44,852 (dependent upon qualifications and experience)
Closing date:
26th October 2025

About the role

Dr Claus Jorgensen, 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, innovative, meticulous and organised candidate who is keen to work in a dynamic laboratory undertaking cutting edge research.

The goal of the Systems Oncology Group is to understand how the tumour microenvironment, and the desmoplastic reaction, regulates tumour cell function and therapeutic response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We have identified a novel target regulating the interactions between tumour cells and the microenvironment, which we believe may be a target for future therapeutic intervention.

The objective of this post is to functionally characterise this target and its role in regulating tumour cells, host cells, and their interactions. Specifically, the post holder will use a number of in vitro cell biology assays to assess cell function and biochemical assays to assess cell signalling in vitro; this will include functional CRISPR analysis, pharmacological studies, enzyme assays and mass spectrometry analysis in 2D and 3D cell models. Tumour models will be analysed by IF/IHC, proteomics, genomics and transcriptionally as well as testing novel combination treatments using available in vivo models (see Hutton et al Cancer Cell 2021, Lee et al Nat Comm 2021 and Below et al Nat Mat 2022). This is a project for a highly collaborative individual seeking to make a difference in a very hard to treat cancer.

About you

You should have a PhD in biochemistry, cell biology or a related field. Experience in protein biochemistry, analysis of cell signalling and use of in vitro models of cancer is required. Experience with in vivo tumour models and immunology is desirable. 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.

Claus Jørgensen Deputy Director & Senior Group Leader
Image of cells in pancreatic cancer
Paterson Building Scientific Administration

More information

Claus Jorgensen

Claus is Deputy Director and a Senior Group Leader at the CRUK Manchester Institute. He heads the Systems Oncology group, which focuses on the complex interactions between malignant and normal cells, with a particular interest in pancreatic cancer

Systems Oncology Group

We are particularly interested in the chemical messages that are sent between cells as pancreatic cancer develops. We aim to identify the key signals that drive tumour growth and help the cancer cells to spread around the body, and ultimately find new ways to block these signals – reducing tumour growth and metastatic spread. Survival from pancreatic cancer has changed little over the years; the average five-year survival rate is just 12%, thus identifying new ways to treat this disease is a real priority for the 10,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK.

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. rnThe Institute has access to outstanding laboratory facilities and exceptional core services, including next generation sequencing, microarrays, confocal microscopy, bioinformatics, histology and mass-spectrometry.

Claus Jorgensen
Systems Oncology Group
About CRUK Manchester Institute

How to apply

To apply for this position please complete the online application via ‘Apply Now’. Please ensure you detail the names of three referees and ensure you submit your application before the closing date specified.

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

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Claus Jorgensen via email: claus.jorgensen@cruk.manchester.ac.uk.

Closing date: Sunday 26th October 2025.

1st round interviews: w.c. 10th November 2025.

Contact us for further information

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.

Careers that have a lasting impact on cancer research and patient care

We are always on the lookout for talented and motivated people to join us.  Whether your background is in biological or chemical sciences, mathematics or finance, computer science or logistics, use the links below to see roles across the Institute in our core facilities, operations teams, research groups, and studentships within our exceptional graduate programme.

Gloved hands filling a stripette white lab coat

Latest from CRUK MI

Cancer Research In the Paterson Building

Find out more about the facilities across the Institute

Leukaemia Immunology & Transplantation

The Leukaemia Immunology and Transplantation laboratory aim to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent post-transplant relapse in patients treated with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation – the only curative therapy for many patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and other poor-risk haematological malignancies.

Patient derived preclinical models reveal novel biology of SCLC

Immune detection of dying tumour cells can elicit cancer immunity when the host permits it

Cancer Research In the Paterson Building
Leukaemia Immunology & Transplantation
Patient derived preclinical models reveal novel biology of SCLC