Research Assistant/Associate In Drug Screening For Retinoblastoma Treatment

Salary:
Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum
Research Associate: £33,966 to £37,099
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent . 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.
Closing Date: 14 March 2024
The Role
We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant/Associate to join our group of investigators (Lako, Hardcastle and Veal) within the Bioscience Institute to discover new treatments for Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the commonest childhood cancer affecting the eye. Although treatable, it commonly results in blindness and is associated with cancers elsewhere in the body. Basic treatments involve eye removal, cryotherapy (use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue), laser therapy, chemotherapy (use of drugs) or radiotherapy (application of high energy X-rays or particles). These result in hair loss, weight loss, kidney damage and hearing impairment, hence there is a clear need for new drugs with fewer side effects. If the disease has spread from the eye to tissues such as the brain, the outcome is often fatal even with intensive treatment. To improve Rb outcome on a global scale, it is essential that we develop treatment options that are accessible worldwide, at low cost and with easy transport and storage capabilities.
In this proposal, we have used the latest molecular technologies to learn which genes are expressed specifically in Rb tumour cells. This has allowed us to identify triggers that lead to the formation of tumours and to identify drugs that can target these specifically. In parallel in the last four years, we have developed a lab model of Rb, which mimics in detail the cell proliferation leading to formation of tumours. We now aim to test the drug candidates we have identified on this model to check how effective they are at destroying cancerous cells. The drug candidates that show anti-tumour activity will be further assessed to see if they can reach the retina via blood circulation and how long they can act in the retina. We have in place a multidisciplinary team with expertise in stem cell biology and retinal disease, treatment of Rb, drug discovery and pharmacokinetics, placing us in a unique position to revolutionize Rb treatment.
This project is funded by the Little Princess Trust and follows from our recent work on generating Rb organoid model (PMID: 35325233) and chemotherapy drug screens in RPE cells (PMID: 37331647).
A scientific background on cell culture and differentiation will be essential and applicants with record of accomplishment and expertise in stem or cancer biology are preferred.
You will work under the direction of all three investigators full time on a fixed term contract until 26th May 2025.
For Informal enquiries please contact Professor Linda Lako ( ).
Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:
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As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of . These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
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
• Differentiate control and Rb1 null pluripotent stem cells to retinal organoids
• Use immunofluorescence analysis to assess the impact of candidate drugs on the retinoblastoma proliferating cone precursor cells
• Study the ocular pharmacokinetics of candidate drugs
• Regular liaison with the Investigators and researchers working on retinal and stem cell differentiation team and collaborators to ensure high quality of research and timely delivery of the project goals
• Perform data extraction and analysis and ensure full compliance with existing ethical regulations as appropriate
• Lead on the production of high-level scientific information including analysing, writing and presenting reports and manuscripts relevant to the transplantation work
• Continuously review the literature and technology relevant to the project and ensure that the outputs of the project are positioned appropriately in relation to other on-going work
• Supervise MRes and BSc project students

The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge (PI to describe subject knowledge required) in the area of research
• 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
• Experience in cell culture
• Experience in statistical data analyses
• Molecular biology experience

Desirable

• Experience of supervision of junior staff members
• Experience of managing/organising lab

Attributes and Behaviour

• High level laboratory skills
• Excellent organisation
• Attention to detail
• Quick to learn new skills
• IT literate and competent
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Able to analyse and interpret data
• Evidence of good oral communication skills; flexible independent working; initiative; and ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Willingness to work outside normal hours and weekends as necessary
• Highly Motivated and enthusiastic

Desirable

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritise key task and meet deadlines
• Strong critical thinking skills

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in the research area required (Research Associate)

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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 award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a 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.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 26826