Research Fellow - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Verified Company

Birmingham, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Position Details
Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £34,980

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2025

Closing date: 27th February 2024

Background

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to work as a Research Fellow in the Radiobiology Research Group led by Professor Jason Parsons.

You will contribute to cutting-edge preclinical research to establish combinations of targeted DNA repair inhibitors with proton beam therapy (PBT) that are effective in the killing of models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Specifically, the project will use both patient-derived organoids but also chick embryo models of radioresistant HNSCC to establish their response to PBT using the MC-40 cyclotron.

We will then explore the combinatorial effects of potent inhibitors of DNA double strand break repair proteins (collaboration with AstraZeneca) with PBT on organoid and tumour growth.

Mechanistic analysis (e.g. H2AX/53BP1 foci and comet assay analysis) will be performed to confirm the impact on supressing DNA damage repair.

Our goal is to use the knowledge gained to devise optimal strategies using drug-PBT combinations for effective radiosensitisation and therefore treatment of HNSCC.

This is a continuation and expansion of the Group's current research (Carter et al., 2018, IJROBP; Carter et al., 2019, IJROBP; Vitti and Parsons, 2020, Cancers; Nickson et al., 2021, Front Oncol; Zhou et al., 2022, Front Oncol).

Role Summary

Work within the specified research grant and project
Operate within area of radiobiology linked with DNA damage and repair
Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Contribute to generating data for peerreviewed publications

Main Duties

The main responsibilities include:

To contribute to the development of radiobiology research in Professor Parsons' Group
Work closely and communicate effectively with other members of the team, and with colleagues in the School of Physics and Astronomy
Take responsibility for taking key decisions regarding the project and planning future experiments
Disseminate research findings for eventual publication, seminars, conferences, etc
Assist in the supervision of PhD, masters and undergraduate students on research related work
Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Person Specification

Essential criteria

PhD (or one near to completion) in radiation biology, cancer biology, molecular biology (or another relevant discipline)
Evidence of playing a key role in a leadingedge scientific research project
Substantial laboratory expertise using molecular and cellular biology techniques
Experience running diverse laboratory experiments
Evidence of prior research productivity
Excellent project planning, organisational and timemanagement skills
Excellent data acquisition, recording and scientific writing skills
Excellent communication skills, and in delivering oral presentations at national/international meetings
Familiarity with key research literature
Highly motivated and keen to learn
Constant ability to produce high quality/quantity of work
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Punctual, reliable and professional approach to work
Excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritise work

Desirable criteria

Expertise in radiobiology research relating to DNA damage repair
Knowledge of the molecular and cellular responses to ionising radiation, including PBT
Significant expertise of culturing organoids and/or of the chick embryo model
First author publication(s) in a peerreviewed journal
Good laboratory practice and skills
Ability to solve scientific problems Ability to assist in the supervision of masters and undergraduate project students

Further particulars can be found here

**We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that fo