About the opportunity:

We seek a motivated and ambitious individual to work alongside us to deliver an internationally recognised CRUK core funded programme in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) discovery research. This career defining opportunity offers research independence, national and international visibility and leadership responsibility. The Associate Scientist will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our strategic vision to improve the treatment of this aggressive lung cancer. 

About Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Biology Group

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Biology Group is an aggressive neuroendocrine (NE) cancer, with early metastasis (frequently to liver and the brain) and a poor prognosis. Most patients are initially highly sensitive to chemotherapy but disease relapse with acquired chemoresistance is rapid and the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors benefits only a minority of patients. A more complete understanding of SCLC biology is needed to deliver effective, personalised therapies and vulnerabilities of molecular subtypes are revealing new therapeutic strategies. Our biobank of >65 extensively charcterised circulating Tumour Cell-derived patient explant models (CDX) mimic the donor’s disease, display intra-tumour heterogeneity, span the molecular subtypes and metastasise to the sites seen in patients1-6. These models are used in our studies of tumour plasticity, chemoresistance and metastasis and are complemented using immune competent models. We work closely with the adjacent CRUK National Biomarker Centre to develop liquid biopsies7 (CTCs and ctDNA) and tissue biomarkers to uplift SCLC clinical trials. Our established partnership with the Christie Foundation NHS Trust facilitates validation of findings in preclinincal models in clinical specimens. Our group makes use of the latest in vitro and in vivo techniques and technologies and a wide variety of bioinformatics approaches to interrogate the increasingly appreciated complexity of SCLC biology, with the goal of identifying novel treatment targets and biomarkers to facilitate the implementation of precision medicine programs. 1Hodgkinson et al., Nature Medicine (2014); 2Simpson et al, Nature Cancer (2020); 3Schenk et al., Nat Comms (2021); 4Williamson et al., Nature Comms (2016)5Pearsall et al., J Thorac Oncol (2023);6Catozzi et al., Cell Reports (2025);7Chemi et al, Nature Cancer, 2022. 

About the role: 

Working closely with Group leads Prof Caroline Dive and Dr Kathryn Simpson, the post holder will contribute to our research strategy. You will supervise staff and students to deliver ongoing SCLC biology projects and develop your own ideas to attract new funding and initiate and lead new projects. You will author publication outputs and represent the Group at National and International Conferences. You will also become a member of the CRUK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence. 

About you:

You will have a PhD in cancer biology, molecular and/or cell biology, molecular pharmacology or a related discipline and relevant experience in a cancer research laboratory. Our ideal candidate will have a strong track record in basic discovery cancer research, (ideally in lung and/or neuroendocrine cancers) with proven cell and molecular biology and/or pharmacology skills including experience working with a range of in vivo preclinical models. Extensive post-doctoral experience gained in academia and/or the biotechnology/Pharma sectors, together with extensive experience in studying tumour biology, including function testing studies (e.g. CRISPR, degrons, screening), are essential for the role. You will be a proactive problem solver who relishes a challenge. With experience in supervising early career researchers and in manuscript and grant writing, you will be pivotal to the success of research projects within the SCLC Biology Group and the maintenance of our international reputation in the field of SCLC research. You will enjoy teamwork and gain satisfaction from both personal and team success.

Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?

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.  The Institute is closely aligned to and juxtaposed with the CRUK National Biomarker Centre directed by Prof Dive where our translational studies on SCLC are carried out. The Institute resides in a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (www.christie.nhs.uk) in South Manchester. 

We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, 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.

How to apply?

To apply for this position please visit our website: https://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/careers/  Please ensure you detail the names of 3 referees and ensure you submit your application before 18:00 hours on 14th June 2026. The first stage Interview is scheduled on 29 June 2026.

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact: Prof Caroline Dive: caroline.dive@cruk.manchester.ac.uk or Dr Kathryn Simpson: Kathryn.simpson@cruk.manchester.ac.uk