At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative cancer research projects and mentor early career scientists.
- Company: Join the CRUK National Biomarker Centre, a leader in cancer treatment advancements.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and collaboration with top experts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer treatment by developing novel therapies and biomarkers.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in cell biology/pharmacology and a relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
The mission of the CRUK National Biomarker Centre (NBC) is to discover, develop, validate and qualify biomarkers that facilitate optimised treatment of patients with cancer. The NBC Preclinical Pharmacology Team (PP) focuses on evaluation of novel therapeutics across cancer types alongside development of predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers using a broad set of preclinical cancer models.
We are seeking a curiosity driven, highly skilled scientific officer with considerable relevant experience to join the PP team. The types of analyses routinely performed include in vitro/ex vivo cell-based assays (e.g., for cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration) to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutics (targeted and immunotherapies) as monotherapies or in combinations. Studies will also include discovery and validation of candidate predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. As well as the use of established cancer cell lines, the role will involve derivation and characterisation of primary cell cultures, development and analysis of primary organoids and co-cultures. A range of molecular biology approaches will be used to function test hypotheses and credential therapy targets (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9 depletion/shRNA approaches and screens using these tools). Mid throughput drug screening will also be in remit.
This is an incredible opportunity to develop your career as a preclinical cancer pharmacologist within a multidisciplinary setting, adjacent to one of Europe’s largest cancer hospitals, surrounded by a wealth of expertise. You will be driven by the goal to support the development of novel therapies and biomarkers to optimise their clinical utility using patient relevant preclinical models and incisive technologies. You will want to uplift your existing skills sets and get involved in strategic decision making as we expand the PP team and seek to bring in new collaborations and additional funding. You will enjoy supporting early career scientists and derive satisfaction seeing them progress with their projects. You will be excited by the opportunity to work with our pharmacologists and biomarker specialists to gain a holistic view of how drug treatment perturbs cells from both the tumour and host.
This role affords an exciting opportunity to be part of a team testing the efficacy of novel therapeutics with parallel development of biomarkers to optimise their application in the clinic for the benefit of patients with cancer.
Key Responsibilities:
The post holder will be responsible to the team lead and deputy. They will contribute to the design and day-to-day oversight of team projects within the laboratory. The post holder will provide technical support to our early career researchers and take ownership of their own projects working with minimal supervision.
About you:
You will have extensive experience in the field of cell biology/pharmacology ideally within cancer research laboratories along with previous experience in the supervision and mentoring of technical staff. You will have a degree in Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Cancer Biology or a related subject (or have equivalent relevant experience). Key qualities include independent thinking, leadership, ability to work in a team and good communication skills, all of which are needed to efficiently work in a multidisciplinary team.
Closing date: Sunday 13 September 2026, (18:00 hours).
Senior Scientific Officer in Manchester employer: Continued Professional Development Ltd.
Joining the CRUK National Biomarker Centre as a Senior Scientific Officer offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research in a collaborative and innovative environment. Located adjacent to one of Europe’s largest cancer hospitals, employees benefit from a wealth of expertise and resources, fostering professional growth and development. The supportive work culture encourages mentorship and strategic involvement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing cancer therapeutics and biomarkers.
Contact Details:
Continued Professional Development Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientific Officer in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Continued Professional Development Ltd., you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientific Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Continued Professional Development Ltd.. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Continued Professional Development Ltd.. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Continued Professional Development Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Continued Professional Development Ltd.. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Continued Professional Development Ltd. to drive research projects forward.
