About this role
Group Leader Salary range: £61,944 – £81,508* per annum (dependent upon experience)
Senior Group Leader Salary range: £80,000 – £130,000* per annum (dependent upon experience) *For clinically qualified candidates, salary is dependent upon experience and clinical duties (not expected to exceed the equivalent of one clinic day per week).
Join the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI) is seeking exceptional early-career and senior scientists, including clinician scientists, to establish bold and innovative research programmes as independent Group Leaders.
Situated within one of Europe's largest and most dynamic cancer research ecosystems, successful candidates will join an outstanding collaborative environment spanning the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), The University of Manchester, the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Exposome Immunology, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
This unique ecosystem integrates fundamental immunology, cancer biology, computational science, experimental medicine and clinical translation, creating exceptional opportunities to pursue high-impact discovery research while accelerating the development of new immunotherapies, biomarkers and advanced cellular and genetic therapies for patients with cancer.
CRUK Manchester Institute has established internationally recognised strengths in cancer immunology and immuno-oncology, including tumour immune regulation, mechanisms of anti-tumour immunity, immunotherapy resistance, tumour microenvironment biology, inflammatory cell death and tissue adaptation. Successful candidates will join a vibrant and highly collaborative immunology community and will have opportunities to interact closely with leading investigators across the Manchester ecosystem, including groups led by Santiago Zelenay, Evangelos Giampazolias, Jonathan Lim and colleagues across the Lydia Becker Institute and the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Exposome Immunology.
About you
We are seeking applicants with expertise in cancer immunology, including anti-tumour immunity, immunotherapy, inflammation, stromal and immune interactions within the tumour microenvironment, advanced therapeutic approaches, and systems and computational immunology. We particularly welcome ambitious and innovative research programmes that combine technical excellence and interdisciplinary approaches to address fundamental and translational questions in cancer biology and strengthen our internationally recognised research environment in cancer immunology and immuno-oncology.
What We Offer
Core funding is provided to every Group Leader whilst they hold their position at the Institute.
As a Group Leader, you will receive a substantial package of support, including:
Funding for two postdoctoral scientists, one technician and two PhD students, together with associated research running costs. Dedicated laboratory space within the Paterson Cancer Research Building/Oglesby Cancer Research Building. Access to comprehensive state-of-the-art scientific technology platforms and core facilities. Access to the Manchester Cancer Research Centre Biobank and associated translational research resources drawing on patient samples from NHS Trusts across Greater Manchester, including The Christie. Outstanding opportunities for collaboration across CRUK MI, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester. Expert mentorship and support for career development and scientific leadership. Dedicated grant development and review support. Research governance, integrity and regulatory support through experienced professional teams. A highly collaborative environment built around team science and multidisciplinary research.
This substantial package enables researchers to focus on ambitious and innovative science from day one while benefiting from Cancer Research UK's long-term investment in Manchester's cancer research ecosystem.
Applications should include:
Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae including publication list Future Research Plan (maximum three pages) Summary of up to three key publications (maximum one page) Contact details for three referees
Informal enquiries are welcomed and may be addressed to any of the Institute's Group Leaders or to the Director: [email protected]
Closing Date: Sunday 2 August 2026
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and communities and encourage applications from candidates who reflect diversity in its broadest sense. All appointments are made on merit.