The University of Manchester
Research Associate

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Plasma Proteomics
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate with an interest in human plasma proteomics to join a pioneering project exploring the links between genetics and hypertension. This post creates a unique opportunity to generate high-quality plasma proteomics data on a large patient cohort using mass spectrometry approaches. The postholder will then analyse these data, including appropriate quality control, and work with a wider team to integrate these data with additional relevant measurements, including genotypic and clinical data.
The successful candidate will play an important role in developing and demonstrating the effectiveness of mass spectrometry-based proteomics at scale for human cohort studies, including the potential for large-scale multi-omics research for determining mechanisms underlying disease, such as protein-wide association studies. Excellent technical and organizational skills are essential, along with a passion for collaborative, data-driven research that contributes to improving people’s health.
Responsibilities
- Take initiative in the planning of research and drive forward the progress of the project.
- Retain responsibility for the appropriate organization, storage, and management of research samples, including Human Tissue Act-relevant material where appropriate.
- Plan and execute protein extraction and preparation protocols and liaise with colleagues for data generation.
- Conduct data analysis using a range of software and statistical tools.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- Hold (or expect to hold shortly) a PhD in a relevant area of research
- Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in mass spectrometry and/or protein quantitation
- Experience of mass spectrometry analysis of human-derived samples from large cohort studies, with proteomics experience strongly preferred.
- Experience in analysis and quality control assessment of mass spectrometry-based proteomics data
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in interpreting disease-related proteomics data, in particular processes related to age-related diseases or vascular health
- Experience in data analysis using DIA-NN
- Experience in pathway analysis and enrichment software, including but not limited to STRING, Reactome.
- Experience in establishing data analysis workflows and scripts in R.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits
- 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: Professor Richard Unwin
Email Address: r.unwin@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support: Jobseeker Support
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars with person specification linked below.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills