Group Leader and Senior Group Leaders - Clinician Scientist

Join the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI) is seeking to appoint an outstanding Clinician Scientist to establish an ambitious and internationally competitive research programme within one of Europe's leading cancer research environments. Situated within the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) partnership and co-located with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre and the Paterson Cancer Research Building, CRUK MI offers a unique environment in which to pursue world-leading discovery science and translate research rapidly into patient benefit.

Successful candidates will join one of Europe's most comprehensive cancer research ecosystems, bringing together fundamental biology, computational science, biomarker development, experimental medicine and clinical trials within a single highly integrated environment. We are seeking exceptional clinician scientists with the vision, creativity and scientific excellence to develop bold, high-impact research programmes that will shape the future of cancer research and cancer medicine. We particularly welcome applicants with expertise in solid tumour biology, tumour immunology, cancer evolution, experimental medicine, computational oncology, artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to cancer research. However, we encourage applications from outstanding candidates across the full spectrum of cancer research whose work complements and extends the Institute's scientific strengths.

What We Offer

• Core-funded support for two postdoctoral scientists, one technician and two PhD students, together with associated research running costs.
• Dedicated laboratory space within the Paterson Cancer Research Building/Oglesby Cancer Research Building.
• Access to comprehensive state-of-the-art scientific technology platforms and core facilities.
• Access to the Manchester Cancer Research Centre Biobank and associated translational research resources drawing on patient samples from across Greater Manchester, including The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
• Outstanding opportunities for collaboration across CRUK MI, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester.
• Expert mentorship, scientific advice and support for career development and programme growth.
• Dedicated grant development and review support.
• Research governance, integrity and regulatory support through experienced professional teams.
• A highly collaborative environment built around multidisciplinary research and team science.

This substantial package enables successful candidates to focus on building ambitious and internationally competitive research programmes from day one while benefiting from Cancer Research UK's long-term investment in the Manchester cancer research ecosystem.

A Unique Clinical and Translational Research Opportunity

A defining feature of this position is the opportunity to hold a co-appointment with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of Europe's largest comprehensive cancer centres and a global leader in cancer treatment, research and innovation. This integrated appointment provides a unique platform from which to build a world-leading clinical and translational research programme spanning laboratory discovery, biomarker development, experimental medicine and clinical trials. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with clinicians, scientists and trialists across The Christie, CRUK MI and The University of Manchester to address clinically important questions arising directly from patient care and translate biological discoveries into improved outcomes for people with cancer.

Researchers will have opportunities to lead translational studies spanning biomarker discovery, window-of-opportunity studies, experimental medicine trials and early-phase clinical investigations with close integration between laboratory and clinical research teams across the Manchester cancer research ecosystem. Manchester provides a uniquely integrated environment in which clinician scientists can build programmes spanning laboratory discovery, translational research, experimental medicine, advanced therapies and clinical trials. Opportunities exist to develop innovative programmes in areas including precision oncology, immunotherapy, biomarker discovery, early cancer detection, advanced cellular therapies, immune engineering and next-generation therapeutic development.

Researchers benefit from access to large and diverse patient populations, world-leading clinical trials infrastructure, experimental medicine programmes, biomarker-led studies and extensive translational research resources. The proximity of discovery scientists, clinician scientists, translational researchers and trialists creates an outstanding platform for moving innovative concepts rapidly from laboratory investigation to patient benefit. The Manchester ecosystem is further strengthened by major strategic initiatives including MANIFEST, the national Manchester platform for immunotherapy research and innovation, and extensive partnerships spanning academia, healthcare and industry.

Why Manchester?

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is a Research Institute of The University of Manchester and is core funded by Cancer Research UK. In 2023, the Institute relocated to the new state-of-the-art Paterson Cancer Research Building, a purpose-built facility designed to accelerate multidisciplinary cancer research and foster collaboration between discovery scientists, clinicians, computational researchers and translational scientists. The building has been specifically designed around the principles of team science and is already transforming interactions across the Manchester cancer research community. The Institute sits on The Christie campus alongside researchers from The University of Manchester's Division of Cancer Sciences and the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre, creating one of the most concentrated and integrated cancer research environments in Europe. The Christie treats more than 19,000 new cancer patients each year and hosts one of the largest portfolios of early-phase cancer clinical trials in Europe. Together with The University of Manchester and the wider Manchester Cancer Research Centre partnership, this provides an unparalleled environment for translating scientific discoveries into clinical impact.

Manchester uniquely combines:

• World-leading discovery, translational and clinical cancer research.
• One of Europe's largest comprehensive cancer centres.
• Extensive experimental medicine and clinical trials infrastructure.
• Advanced computational and data science expertise.
• Strong partnerships between academia, healthcare and industry.
• Access to large and diverse patient populations.
• Exceptional opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration.

Together, these strengths create an environment in which ambitious clinician scientists can deliver research that moves seamlessly from biological discovery to patient benefit. Manchester is a vibrant and dynamic international city offering an outstanding quality of life, excellent national and international transport connections, world-class cultural and sporting attractions, and easy access to some of the UK's most beautiful countryside.

Clinician Scientist - Group Leaders

Salary range: NHS Consultant Salary Scale. Duration: Five-year fixed-term appointment (in the first instance). For clinically qualified candidates, salary is dependent upon experience and clinical duties (not expected to exceed the equivalent of one clinic day per week).

What We Offer

• Up to seven years of CRUK core-funded support.
• Initial appointment on a five-year fixed-term contract.
• Mid-term review at year four to support future career development and progression.
• Opportunity for promotion to Senior Group Leader following successful review and approval processes (permanent appointment subject to successful Quinquennial Reviews).
• High-quality laboratory space.
• Strong mentorship from senior faculty and Institute committees.
• Specific training and leadership development opportunities for new group leaders.
• Opportunity for group expansion through successful external funding applications.
• Grant development support from the Institute's Grants Advisor and Grants Committee.
• Research governance and integrity support through the Institute's Scientific Administration team.
• A collegial environment with a strong ethos of team science.

About You

Applicants should have research interests aligned with the scientific priorities of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and demonstrate the ability to develop and lead an ambitious programme of translational cancer research. You will have:

• Full General Medical Council (GMC) registration with licence to practise in the UK.
• MRCP, FRCP or equivalent qualifications.
• Completion of specialist training in a relevant oncology-related discipline (or international equivalent).
• A PhD or equivalent research doctorate in a discipline relevant to cancer research.
• A strong track record of impactful publications.
• Evidence of scientific creativity and innovation.
• The ability to develop and deliver an ambitious and feasible independent research programme.
• Clear and compelling research plans addressing important questions in cancer immunology.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, success in securing competitive research funding.

Prior demonstration of research independence would be advantageous.

Clinician Scientist – Senior Group Leader

Salary range: NHS Consultant Salary Scale. Duration: Permanent (subject to successful Quinquennial Reviews). For clinically qualified candidates, salary is dependent upon experience and clinical duties (not expected to exceed the equivalent of one clinic day per week).

What We Offer

• CRUK core-funded support.
• Permanent appointment subject to successful Quinquennial Reviews.
• High-quality laboratory space.
• Opportunities for programme expansion through external funding.
• Dedicated grant development and review support.
• Research governance and integrity support.
• Access to outstanding scientific infrastructure and collaborative networks.
• A collegial environment and culture of scientific excellence and team science.

About You

Applicants should have research interests aligned with the scientific priorities of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and demonstrate the ability to develop and lead an ambitious programme of translational cancer research. You will possess:

• Full General Medical Council (GMC) registration with licence to practise in the UK.
• MRCP, FRCP or equivalent qualifications.
• Completion of specialist training in a relevant oncology-related discipline (or international equivalent).
• A PhD or equivalent research doctorate in a discipline relevant to cancer research.
• Extensive relevant postdoctoral research experience.
• An internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in a field relevant to cancer research.
• Evidence of scientific leadership and the ability to build productive multidisciplinary collaborations.
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientific excellence and innovation.
• Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding appropriate to career stage.

You will be capable of inspiring and motivating colleagues, including students, postdoctoral scientists, technical staff and peers, and will demonstrate a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research culture. Experience of peer review activities, leadership roles and committee participation would be advantageous.

How to Apply

To apply for this position please visit our website: https://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/careers/. Applications should include:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae including publication list
• Future Research Plan (maximum three pages)
• Summary of up to three key publications (maximum one page)
• Contact details for three referees

Informal enquiries are welcomed and may be addressed to any of the Institute's Group Leaders or to the Director: director@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 2 August 2026. Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 18:00 hours on the closing date specified.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and communities and encourage applications from candidates who reflect diversity in its broadest sense. All appointments are made on merit.