Last Date: 27 November 2023.
The Diabetes Research Group is inviting applications for a Research Associate position to investigate how administration of low-dose IL-2 in the morning versus evening influences regulatory T cells and the success of the therapy in both in vivo murine studies and ex vivo human studies.
This is an exciting new area of investigation with strong preliminary data and will involve using cell biology, flow cytometric and genetic approaches. Candidates should have practical experience of research in immunology (particularly T cells/regulatory T cells) with prior experience in murine studies or relevant industrial experience.
The post-holder will be a member of the expanding and vibrant Diabetes Research Group, within the Division of Infection and Immunity (based at Heath Park Campus), that includes research groups of Dr James Alexander Pearson, Professor F. Susan Wong and Professor Colin Dayan. The successful candidate will become a key team player within the group which comprises clinician scientists, postdoctoral research fellows, a senior research technician and a technician/PhD student.
For further information candidates should contact Dr James Alexander Pearson ([email protected]).
This post is full time (35 hours per week), available from 08/01/2024 and fixed term for two years.
Flexible working is required due to the nature of the research, which may require early and late experimental start times. Work pattern can be discussed and agreed at appointment.
Salary: £39,347 – £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.
Date advert posted: Monday, 6 November 2023
Closing date: Monday, 27 November 2023
Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University
Job Description
Main function
To conduct translational research within the Cardiff Diabetes Research Group and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research
• To conduct translational research within the Cardiff Diabetes Research group and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To conduct in vivo murine experimental work and general day to day maintenance
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• Record and perform detailed analysis on data, including responsibility for backing up data
• Take responsibility for stock levels, security, maintenance and cleanliness of materials, apparatus and equipment within work area
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate, as well as performing laboratory work in compliance with both Home Office and Human Tissue Act guidelines
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Other
• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. Current or previous in vivo experimental experience
3. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research field:
i. Immunology or Autoimmunity
4. Proven ability to publish in national journals / national conferences and/or other research outputs
Communication and Team Working
5. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
6. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
7. Previous experience in using and analysing multi-colour flow cytometry data
8. Previous experience in isolating immune cells from human blood.
Desirable Criteria
9. Knowledge of current status of regulatory T cell research
10. Previous experience working with T cells or regulatory T cells
11. Relevant professional qualification(s) e.g. Home office personal licence or equivalent
12. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
Additional Information
IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is the School of Medicine’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.
Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 17609BR
If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.
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