School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition

Institute of Medical Sciences

We are seeking an excellent and highly motivated Research Assistant/Fellow to provide support to a new cancer research laboratory, headed by Professor Valerie Speirs, and funded by Friends of Anchor, which is being established at the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. You will interact with multi-disciplinary cancer research teams comprising academics, clinical researchers, postdoctoral fellows and technical staff engaged in performing fundamental and translational research important for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to fight cancer.

Working across multiple projects, you will be expected to develop and perform in vitro experiments aimed at understanding the biology of number of cancer types, in particular breast cancer, with a view to translating this to improving patient outcome. Specifically, you will take part in research activities that include: using and further developing 3D cell and tissue based in vitro assays to study the interaction of cancer cells with their microenvironment and exploring response to therapies; use immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy imaging techniques and flow cytometry to study patient-derived tissue samples; assess gene and protein expression by quantitative real time PCR and SDS-PAGE/Western blotting, respectively; take advantage of on line databases to help shape the direction of the research. In addition, you will manage the SEARCHBreast database (www.searchbreast.org) and will oversee the daily progress of undergraduate and postgraduate students and visiting researchers. You will be responsible for taking decisions regarding the projects, obtaining data and planning, designing and performing experiments rigorously. It is expected that you will be an innovative individual with an interest in applying your research skills across a range of projects, and willing to learn new techniques. It is also expected that you have good communication skills and a teamwork attitude. You should be able to work independently and you will meet regularly with Prof Valerie Speirs and a clinical professor (TBA) to discuss the findings and future directions.

You should hold a Masters in cell biology, molecular medicine, cancer biology, or other relevant subject. A PhD in a biomedical-related subject is desirable.

The post is available from 1 September 2018 for a fixed term of 5 years.

Salary will be paid on the Grade 6 salary scale (£31,656 per annum) with placement according to qualifications and experience. Consideration will be given to making an appointment at Research Assistant, Grade 5 level in the first instance (£26,537- £29,847 per annum) for individuals in the final stages of completing their PhD.

Informal enquires can be addressed to Prof Valerie Speirs (valerie.speirs1@abdn.ac.uk), who will be relocating to Aberdeen on 1 July 2018 or Prof SD Heys, Head, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition (s.d.heys@abdn.ac.uk)

This post does not meet the minimum requirements as issued by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) to qualify for an employer-sponsored visa. We are therefore unable to consider applications from candidates for this post who require sponsorship to work in the UK.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Numbers: IMS106R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 31 May 2018.

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