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We are seeking a Research Assistant ( Graduate) or Research Associate ( Post-doc) to undertake key molecular and cellular studies to investigate if prostate cancer cells representative of different patient cohorts are sensitive to inhibitors that block DNA repair.
The role
You will genetically engineer key cell line and 3-dimensional organoid models using CRISPR-Cas9 to study if commonly occurring gene mutations in prostate cancer make cells susceptible to blockade of specific proteins involved in DNA repair. This is a great opportunity to become a member of a dynamic research team and contribute to impactful research. This study will contribute to the wider research objective of the team which is to provide better treatments for men with prostate cancer.
Great strides have been made to develop drugs that better treat prostate cancer. Drugs that effect how cells repair DNA damage or make cancer more visible to our immune system have shown anti-cancer activity in the laboratory. However, these drugs do not always kill cancer when given to patients. We are working on why this happens and what can be done about it. This project will examine if blocking key proteins involved in DNA repair will effectively kill prostate cancer cells representative of different patient cohorts. Ultimately, the project will help contribute to key knowledge gaps in prostate cancer research and has the capacity to direct future clinical trial design.
This post is fixed term until 31 March 2025
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
- Liaise and report findings to industrial partners through in-person and on-line meetings
The person
Knowledge, skills and experience
- Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
- Detailed subject knowledge in the field of prostate oncology, transcription, DNA repair and epigenetics
- 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
- Expert knowledge and successful application of CRISPR genomic editing to create gene knock-in and knockout cell models
Desirable
- Experience assessing cellular DNA damage and resolution using immunofluorescence approaches
- Experienced in confocal microscopy and the use of irradiator equipment
Attributes and behaviour
- To be able to work to deadlines and be reactive to changes to project direction
- To be methodical when conducting experiments to ensure delivery of robust data
- To be enthusiastic and happy to work in a dynamic research team
Desirable
- To be resilient when problems arise and maintain a positive outlook
- To support other laboratory members and engage with wider activities within the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer
Qualifications
- A PhD in relevant area (required for appointment at Associate level)
- Honors degree in relevant subject (for appointment at Assistant level)
About us
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.
