We are seeking a highly motivated, laboratory-based Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Nanotherapeutics Lab as part of a newly funded Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Fellowship project. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of neuro-oncology, nanomedicine, and translational cancer research, contributing to a programme with clear clinical relevance and long-term vision.
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumour, with patients facing a poor prognosis despite maximal surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy. Over 80% of tumours recur at the surgical margin, and almost half of patients experience rapid disease progression during the 46 week postoperative interval before standard therapy begins. This treatment gap represents a critical, well-defined, and underexploited therapeutic window. Through ongoing multidisciplinary work, our group has identified how surgical resection transiently alters the brain microenvironment and enables systemic therapies to access the tumour margin.
This project will use state-of-the-art in vivo and ex vivo imaging approaches alongside clinically relevant surgical models of glioma/glioblastoma to uncover the biological and vascular events occurring immediately after tumour resection. These mechanistic insights will directly inform the rational design of targeted nanomedicines aimed at preventing postoperative recurrence, with the ultimate goal of developing therapeutic strategies suitable for future clinical translation.
The successful candidate will join the Nanotherapeutics Lab, a diverse and highly collaborative multidisciplinary team based within the Division of Neuroscience at the University of Manchester. The lab is closely embedded within the Centre for Nanotechnology in Medicine, the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, and the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, providing access to a unique ecosystem of expertise in neuroscience, cancer biology, imaging, nanotechnology, and translational research. The research environment is fast-moving, collaborative, inclusive, and supportive of career development.
Successful candidates may be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process
This CRUK-funded position is full-time (1.0 FTE) for 2 years in the first instance, with funding and the possibility in place to extend for up to 6 years, subject to progress.
What you will get in return:
* Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr. Thomas Kisby
Email: thomas.kisby@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
0161 850 2004
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.