Research Associate in Brain Cancer Research

Research Associate in Brain Cancer Research
European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences

An exciting and attractive opportunity for an experienced Research Associate in Brain Cancer Research is available at the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute at Cardiff University School of Biosciences.

The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute hosts 10 active research groups who are working to translate cutting-edge research across all cancers into novel therapies. Cardiff University has been ranked 8th in the UK for research power and 7th for research impact in REF2021 (UOA: biological sciences). The Institute is housed in a £30M flagship research facility on Cardiff University’s Innovation Campus.

The successful candidate will join the Astroglia Cell Biology Group to work on a multi-disciplinary, MRC-funded project leveraging multi-OMICS approaches, advanced non-linear optical imaging methods, and state-of-the-art in vivo and 3D in vitro models to investigate the functions of protein synthesis and proteostasis for stemness and cell plasticity in glioblastoma. The project is a joint collaboration between Dr Florian Siebzehnrubl, Prof Paola Borri (both Cardiff), and Dr Julien Licchesi (Bath).

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with two to three years postdoctoral research experience, who is interested in working in a multi-disciplinary team using a range of cutting-edge technologies. You will have demonstrated ability to work independently, strong organisational skills, and experience in cell and molecular biology (wet lab) work as well as analysing large datasets. Prior experience with in vivo glioblastoma models is a plus.

This position is full-time, 35 hours per week and fixed term for four years until 30 May 2027.

Salary: £36,333 - £43,155 per annum, (Grade 6).
Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above grade 6.33, currently £38,529 per annum.

Please direct informal inquiries to Dr Florian Siebzehnrubl (fas@cardiff.ac.uk)

Date advert posted: Thursday, 6 April 2023

Closing date: Monday, 1 May 2023

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

To conduct research within brain cancer research and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Research

• To conduct research within brain cancer research and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area (e.g., cancer, neuroscience, neuro-oncology, cell biology) or equivalent or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i. Computational analysis of larger datasets (e.g., RNAseq, proteomics, etc.)
ii. (Brain) cancer research OR neuroscience
iii. Cell and molecular biology
iv. Working with primary patient-derived cells, organoids, or similar
v. Genetic manipulation of cells, e.g. CRISPR, viral targeting, or similar approaches
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in international journals and/or other research outputs
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

1. Relevant professional qualification(s): Home office licence (PIL), bioinformatics
2. Experience in working with animal models of glioma
3. Experience in Raman microscopy (e.g., CARS microscopy)
4. Experience in writing competitive research funding proposals

36,333

43,155

Academic - Research

Grade 6