Research Assistant/Associate (Cancer Research)

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to work on a Cancer Research UK-funded project investigating the mechanistic role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in intestinal cancer biology using a range of cutting-edge models and technologies. You will then use this knowledge to identify potential strategies for novel cancer therapy development. The project is led by Professor Laura Greaves in collaboration with the CRUK Scotland Institute and Cambridge University.

In this role, you will be embedded within the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer in the Biosciences Institute at Newcastle University, hosting one of the UK’s largest groupings of mitochondrial geneticists and cancer biologists spanning the full range of approaches from molecular genetics to in vivo modelling and drug discovery. You will be responsible for generating and analysing novel in vivo and in vitro models of intestinal cancer using a range of techniques (mtDNA editing, in vivo imaging, histology/immunofluorescence, spatial profiling, computational modelling). You will use your knowledge and experience of mitochondrial genetics and metabolism, in vivo models and intestinal biology to deliver this challenging project. This post is fixed term for a period of 3 years.

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed knowledge of mitochondrial genetics and biology
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and manage and co-ordinate complex projects across multiple research teams.
• Extensive experience of working with mouse models of intestinal cancer
• Excellent skills in preparing both mouse and human tissues for histological analysis
• Excellent skills in fluorescence microscopy and high-throughput image analysis
• Experience of working with a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) under Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
• Skills in bioinformatics (e.g. knowledge of Matlab, R, Python)
• Experience of complex in vitro organoid culture techniques

Attributes and Behaviour

• Able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Enthusiastic and hard working
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours on occasion if required
• A commitment to research as evidenced by completion of previous research projects and publications
• Willingness to engage with and disseminate research to the public

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) with some subject knowledge of mitochondrial biology/genetics and/or intestinal cancer biology (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in mitochondrial biology/genetics or intestinal cancer biology required (Research Associate)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

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