Research Associate

Research Associate (Research Only)

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, VETERINARY AND LIFE SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF CANCER SCIENCES

GRADE 7

Applications are invited for an exciting postdoctoral research opportunity working with a world class team of collaborative, multidisciplinary researchers to characterise the abnormal blood-brain barrier (BBB) in tumour margin regions of glioblastoma (GBM). This work is crucial to understanding the factors that determine drug delivery and therefore the likely efficacy of novel drugs for GBM. The project is being led by Professor Anthony Chalmers in the Institute of Cancer Sciences (University of Glasgow), with Professor Colin Smith at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (University of Edinburgh) and Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services being the key partners. The project is part of a rapidly growing programme of brain tumour and neuroscience research across Glasgow and Edinburgh and the successful candidate will benefit from world leading clinical and scientific expertise and research infrastructure in both centres. They will undertake detailed structural and functional characterisation of the BBB in marginal regions of GBM using human samples and preclinical models and a range of molecular, imaging and pharmacological techniques. They will contribute to the management and execution of this complex and challenging project as well as the writing and submission of research presentations and publications.

The Chalmers laboratory is situated in the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre which is part of the Institute of Cancer Sciences at the University of Glasgow – one of Europe’s leading cancer research centres – and adjacent to the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute. Additional supervision and expertise in Glasgow will be provided by Drs Joanna Birch and Antoine Vallatos. Prof Smith’s laboratory in the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences provides an outstanding research environment for neuropathological studies, underpinned by state-of-the-art core services and advanced spatial imaging technologies. Co-investigators in Edinburgh include Prof Val Brunton, Dr Paul Brennan and Dr Gerry Thompson.

Job Purpose

You will make a leading contribution to a research project characterising the abnormal BBB in GBM margin regions at the molecular, structural and functional levels . You will contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and group research strategy. Research activities will include multiplex proteomic and transcriptomic studies on patient specimens and functional studies in preclinical models of GBM. These will include detailed analysis of BBB structure and function using novel intravital imaging and dynamic pharmacokinetic methodologies that have been established in the host laboratories. Image processing and analysis will also be a key component of the planned research.

2.      Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.      Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of Chalmers and Smith laboratories, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.      Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

5.      Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

6.      Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings, seminars and workshops across the research Group/School/College/Universities and wider community (including academic and industry partners).

7.      Take a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

8.      Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research groups and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

9.      Carry out modest teaching activities and associated admin as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

10.   Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

11.   Engage in personal, professional and career development activities as appropriate.

12.   Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by Principal Investigator.

13.   Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/ Qualifications

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 12 (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant subject or a closely related discipline,     with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of cancer biology or neuroscience, ideally but not necessarily in the context of brain tumours.

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the current issues and future directions in the subject area.

Desirable:

B1. Knowledge of in vivo mouse models (cancer or neuroscience).

Skills

Essential:

C1. Project or subject specific skills in cancer biology or neuroscience.

C2. Experience of image processing and analysis.

C3. Research creativity and evidence of cross-discipline collaborative ability.

C4. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C5. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C6. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C7. Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
C8. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable:

D1. Valid Home Office Personal License.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in high quality journals/conferences.

E3. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E4.  Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E5. Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable :

F1. An emerging national or international reputation.

F2. Ability to work with orthotopic brain tumour models in vivo.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 – £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 12 months from start date

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.