Research Associate in Genome Stability and Proton Radiation

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Genome Stability and Proton Radiation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a funded research project investigating the effects of proton and photon radiation on tissues derived from individuals with inherited chromosomal instability and telomere spectrum disorders, including Fanconi Anaemia and Bloom Syndrome. The role offers the chance to work in a dynamic and inclusive research environment with direct relevance to cancer treatment and precision medicine.

You will be responsible for:

• Delivering high-quality research using tissue culture, wet-lab techniques and data analysis to meet project objectives and milestones.
• Investigating radiation responses in patient-derived tissues and tumour models with varying levels of genomic instability.
• Analysing, interpreting and presenting research findings for publications, reports, meetings and conferences.
• Working closely with multidisciplinary academic and clinical collaborators across the Genome Stability Laboratory and PRECISE Proton Therapy Research Group.
• Supporting experimental activity that may require flexible working outside normal office hours, including evenings, nights and occasional weekends.

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

About You

We encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should be able to demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline, or near completion, with expertise relevant to cell biology, genome stability or closely related research.
• Experience in experimental approaches relevant to DNA damage response, cell biology or genome stability research.
• Ability to analyse complex data and communicate research findings clearly in written and oral formats.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly outside normal office hours where required to support proton beamline experimental activity.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in radiation biology, DNA damage and repair, or related experimental systems.
• Experience of using radiation technologies or a basic understanding of radiation physics.
• Experience working with primary cell lines from human tissues.
• Practical experience in techniques such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, DNA, RNA or protein assays, and related wet-lab methods.
• Experience of supporting or supervising students or junior researchers.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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 where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Stefan Meyer; Dr Christine Schmidt

Email Address: Stefan.meyer@manchester.ac.uk; Christine.schmidt@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.