Research Project Support Officer Bangor 2023

Applications are invited for the above temporary full-time post working in the laboratory of Dr Chris Staples, within the North West Cancer Research Centre in the School of Medical and Health Sciences. Research in the Staples laboratory is centred around DNA repair and the replication stress response, and is currently supported by UKRI and North West Cancer Research.

The appointee will be a highly motivated individual with laboratory experience, and an undergraduate degree in a life sciences discipline. The core aim of the project is to employ CRISPR-Cas9 drop-out screening to identify novel genetic dependencies in DNA repair-deficient cancer cell lines. Duties will include the generation of publication-quality scientific data, and the provision of support in the day-to-day running of the laboratory including ordering of reagents and supplies. Given that viral libraries should be considered oncogenic, the successful applicant will also be expected to be familiar with biosafety procedures and to adhere closely to these as required. The role also requires good planning and organisational skills, and to communicate professionally and effectively with other team members.

Candidates should be educated to undergraduate degree standard (or equivalent) in a life sciences discipline and have previous experience in mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques such as transfections and immunofluorescence.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence 1st June, 2023 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and the post is available until 31st March, 2025 in the first instance.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

College of Human Sciences

Established in 1884, Bangor University has a continuing tradition of academic excellence, both in terms of its teaching and its research. Today, Bangor University has approximately 7,000 full-time and 3,000 part-time students supported by 2,400 members of staff, with approximately 45% of students coming from Wales, 49% from the rest of the UK and Europe, and 6% from the rest of the world, from as many as 69 countries. 18% of our students are studying for postgraduate degrees. The University’s mission statement is to be a world-class research-led university, to provide teaching and learning of the highest quality, and to contribute to the development of the economy, health and culture of a sustainable Wales and a sustainable world. The College of Human Sciences has formally linked with the local Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board enabling an integrated approach to developing research, training, medical and healthcare education that will serve the needs of the people of North Wales and beyond.

School

The School of Medical and Health Sciences is the prime focus for medical, health and care education and research at Bangor University. The School offers a career-spanning portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate degrees and short courses for healthcare and allied professionals. Cancer Research is a core research area within the School, and the successful applicant will work within UKRI Future Leader Fellow Dr Chris Staples’ laboratory, which is housed in the North West Cancer Research Institute.

The Project

The successful applicant will in the first instance conduct a series of chemogenetic CRISPR-Cas9 ‘drop-out’ screens to identify novel genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cell lines deficient in several DNA repair factors. This will require excellent tissue culture skills, the ability to perform PCR and gDNA isolation, and the ability to adhere closely to biosafety protocols. CRISPR and siRNA will also be used to validate screen hits, in conjunction with clonogenic survival assays and detection of DNA damage markers by indirect immunofluorescence.

Purpose of the Job

The post is part of an established team working on novel aspects of the cellular responses to DNA damage and replication stress. The post-holder will be involved in providing general research support for the research conducted by the team. This will include assisting the research team in meeting their anticipated outcomes within the agreed timescales of the project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To conduct high-quality research as per the demands of the project.
• To provide support to the research team in the gathering and analysis of data.
• To work as part of the research team in delivering research outcomes. This will include contributions to publications in research journals.
• To assist and support in the performance and administration of the research project.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Policy and the Welsh Language Standards.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for him/herself and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by his/her actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a life sciences discipline.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential:

• Previous experience of mammalian cell culture, including siRNA transfections.
• Experience with immunofluorescence-based assays.
• Demonstrate knowledge and interest in specific areas related to the post.
• Knowledge and competency in relevant laboratory and analytical techniques.
• Ability to handle data.
• Knowledge and experience of QA controls.
• Knowledge and experience of H&S issues.

Desirable:

• Laboratory management experience

Skills/Abilities

Essential:

• Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team

Other:

Essential:

• This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and area and the ensuing responsibilities.