Scientific Officer – Liquid Biopsy Research

The University of Manchester - Nucleic Acids Biomarker (NAB) team

Location:ManchesterSalary:£25,000 to £30,000Hours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 21st January 2026 | Closes: 11th February 2026 | Job Ref: NBC/26/02

Fixed term until 31st March 2028

About the role:

The goal of the CRUK National Biomarker Centre (NBC), is to develop, validate, and implement biomarkers that facilitate the optimisation of cancer patient treatment. In this regard, the NBC is an acknowledged world leader in the study of minimally invasive biomarkers, or liquid biopsies, for improving cancer management. Our biomarker research integrates clinical, experimental and computational science into a highly convergent programme. Translational research and clinical implementation is critical to this biomarker agenda.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Scientific Officer to join the Nucleic Acids Biomarker (NAB) team of the NBC. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of biologists, clinicians, engineers, and computational scientists. The NAB team is developing new molecular assays from liquid biopsy samples.

Working closely with experienced staff, the appointee will be aligned to the processing, banking and analysis of important clinical trial samples to monitor and evaluate clinical studies and will be required to work under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations. Biomarkers analysed may include circulating cell-free DNA and other liquid biomarkers. All the required training and supervision will be provided.

About you:

The successful candidates will possess a degree in molecular biology or relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent relevant experience) plus relevant experience of working in a laboratory environment. Highly desirable is a keen interest in cancer biology, a desire to learn new skills and take forward cancer research. In addition, experience of handling clinical samples, ideally working in a cancer research setting are also desirable. Effective communication, good organizational skills and basic computer skills are essential. Previous experience working in a Good Laboratory Practice (GCP) environment would also be advantageous.

Why choose Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre?

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. We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (adjacent to the CRUK MI Paterson Building) in South Manchester (www.christie.nhs.uk), 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.

The Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre (https://cruknbc.org/) sits at the convergence between discovery science and translational research in this exceptional scientific environment and aims to develop the next generation of cancer biomarkers.

How to apply?

To apply for this position please visit our website: https://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/recruitment/candidate/searchvacancies

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Dr Florent Mouliere via email: florent.mouliere@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

The deadline for receipt of applications is: 11th February 2026