Job reference: BMH-029646
Salary: £37,694 to £41,064 per annum dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Cardiovascular Sciences
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 18/09/2025
Contract Duration: Fixed term until 31.10.2026
School/Directorate: School of Medical Sciences

Job Description

Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Radiotherapy-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity to join the CRUK Manchester Radiation Research Centre of Excellence (CRUK RadNet Manchester) team to drive forward a collaborative programme of research between the Divisions of Pharmacy and Optometry, Cardiovascular Sciences and Cancer Sciences. The post will be tenable on a fixed term basis until the 31st October 2026 in the first instance, commencing 1st October 2025.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to initiate research aimed at providing mechanistic understanding of cardiovascular toxicity induced by radiotherapy. We have previously shown that in lung cancer patients, the extent of radiation dose to specific heart regions is associated with worse survival and morbidity. Using preclinical models, the post holder will investigate whether heart tolerance is influenced by predisposition to cardiovascular disease and/or pre-existing cardiovascular pathology. Understanding what governs risk of early morbidity gives the opportunity for interventions to ameliorate cardiac toxicity. This project aims to investigate the mechanistic impact of radiotherapy on cardiovascular function using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies, using cellular and mouse models of hypertension and/or diabetes. A combination of clinically relevant non-invasive imaging approaches to monitor myocardial function and pathology will be implemented alongside ex vivo tissue analyses to decipher potential mechanisms impacting heart tolerance and potential intervention strategies.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual from a biological or medical sciences background with experience of preclinical cardiovascular research. The post holder will have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, will have excellent communication and organisational skills and a proven track record of delivering impactful research. A publication record in peer-reviewed journals would be advantageous.

The post holder will be working alongside a dynamic team of fundamental science and clinical researchers within the CRUK RadNet Manchester team in partnership with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences. CRUK RadNet Manchester is an ambitious translational radiation oncology programme that challenges diverse patient characteristics to achieve individualised physical and biological targeting based on real-time outcomes and works towards a deep mechanistic understanding of immune response, comorbidity and genomics. The post will be based on the main University Campus. This cross-disciplinary collaboration particularly draws on the expertise of researchers in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences whose research goal is to translate our understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic processes underlying cardiovascular disease into improved clinical treatments and patient care.

The School is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award for their commitment to the representation of women in the workplace and we particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit:

https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality

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 support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, 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 note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Kaye Williams

Email: kaye.williams@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

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.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.


Take a look around the company https://www.manchester.ac.uk/