Research Associate

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate within RISE (Reducing Immune Stress from Excess Cytokine Release in Advanced Therapies), an interdisciplinary MRC‑funded programme based in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge translational research aimed at improving the safety and efficacy of advanced therapies, including CAR‑T cell treatments. You will play a leading role in research investigating the pathogenesis of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) using advanced spatial profiling technologies, working closely with academic and clinical collaborators.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term role for four years from September 2026, based at the University of Manchester.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and delivering research using Co‑Detection by Indexing (CODEX) for high‑dimensional multiplexed imaging of bone marrow tissue
• Optimising, implementing and analysing CODEX workflows on patient‑derived samples
• Analysing and interpreting complex spatial and imaging datasets
• Publishing research outputs in peer‑reviewed journals and contributing to grant applications
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team across the RISE programme

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD (or close to completion) in haematology, immunology, cancer biology or a closely related discipline
• Experience handling and processing human tissue samples, including histological or bone marrow specimens
• Experience with multiplex imaging, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence or spatial biology approaches
• Experience analysing complex biological datasets, including image‑based data
• Excellent communication, organisational and collaborative working skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with CODEX or other high‑parameter spatial imaging platforms
• Knowledge of CRS, CAR‑T cell therapy or immune‑related adverse events
• Experience integrating imaging, molecular and clinical datasets
• Experience contributing to grant applications or ethics submissions

We value curiosity, rigour and a commitment to translational research as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to world‑class research facilities and professional development opportunities

For more information, please see
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.
You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Dr Simona Valletta / Dr Holly Buendia
Email Address: simona.valletta@manchester.ac.uk / holly.buendia@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.