Kirk McManus, PhD, MSc

  • Kirk McManus headshot

  • Professor

    Max Rady College of Medicine
    Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
    University of Manitoba
    Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology
    Room ON6010 – 675 McDermot Avenue
    CancerCare Manitoba
    Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9

    Phone: 204-787-2833
    Fax: 204-787-2190
    kirk.mcmanus@umanitoba.ca

Research summary

Dr. Kirk McManus’ cancer research program aims to:

  1. Identify the molecular determinants driving cancer development and progression, focusing on chromosome stability.
  2. Develop personalized therapeutic strategies by exploiting defective genes, proteins, and pathways.

His program also offers innovative training for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate trainees, preparing them for careers in research, industry, biotech, health delivery, education, and policy development.

Research interests

  • Chromosome instability
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Drug target discovery
  • High-grade serous ovarian cancer
  • Organoid/spheroid models
  • Patient samples
  • Quantitative imaging microscopy
  • siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9
  • Synthetic lethality

Research affiliations

  • Senior scientist, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba

Biography

Brief bio

Dr. Kirk McManus is a professor of biochemistry and medical genetics at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and a senior scientist at CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute. His research focuses on chromosome stability in cancer, employing advanced genetic, biochemical, and imaging techniques to discover therapeutic targets. Dr. McManus has published extensively in cancer genetics, particularly in colorectal and ovarian cancers.

Cross-appointments

  • Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
  • CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute

Education

  • Post-doctoral fellowship in molecular oncology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia (2009)
  • PhD in experimental oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta (2004)
  • Master of science in human genetics, University of Manitoba (1999)
  • Bachelor of science (honours) in genetics, University of Manitoba (1995)

Awards

2016

  • Scientists’ Choice Award – Best Drug Discovery & Development Article of the Year
  • University of Manitoba Graduate Student Association Teaching Award
  • Merit Award for Research, Teaching and Service

2014

  • Ken Hughes Young Investigator Award for Medical Research
  • Rh Award for Outstanding Contributions to Scholarship and Research in the Health Sciences

2010-12

  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Manitoba Health Research Council – New Investigator Salary Award

 

Contact us

Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
Room 336 Basic Medical Sciences Building
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada

bmgadmin@umanitoba.ca
204-789-3458