Research Assistant

Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff University seeks a Research Assistant in the Division of Infection and Immunity to support ongoing cancer research projects. The role focuses on identifying T-cell responses during Glioblastoma to enhance T-cell reactions, collaborating with diverse teams while contributing to high-impact research and publications.

Benefits

45 days annual leave

Local pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Annual increments within pay scale

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in relevant discipline required.
• Knowledge of research methods including molecular biology, cancer immunology, and T-cell experience necessary.
• Ability to analyze complex information and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Glioblastoma and immune modulation.
• Analyse T cell function and participate in research publications.
• Support teaching and guidance within the research team.

Skills

Research methods and techniques

Molecular biology

Cellular immunology

Team-working skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (desirable)

Job description

Advert

Research Assistant

Division of Infection and Immunity

School of Medicine

College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

A Research Assistant position joint funded by Cancer Research Wales and the Wales Cancer Research Centre is available in the research group of Dr Mathew Clement, in the Division of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University School of Medicine, based at Heath Park Cardiff.

This role will involve identifying novel antigen-specific T-cells during Glioblastoma (GBM) development. Our long-term aim is to improve T-cell responses during GBM by uncovering novel targets and to test these in vivo using established models in combination therapy approaches including the use of immune checkpoint inhibition and other antibody targets.

The lab is well funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, The Brain Tumour Charity, Cancer Research Wales and the Wales Cancer Research Centre and regularly publishes high impact research.

We are seeking a new addition to the team who can support the research team in a technical capacity by carrying out defined experimental procedures. The work covers a wide variety of research areas, including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology (T-cell experience). The successful candidate will have a degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience in one or more of these areas. They must show a willingness to develop skills and to support a team of postgraduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff. Excellent communication skills, time management and self-motivation will be essential for this role.

For enquiries about this position please contact Dr Mathew Clement via email: [e-mail].

This is a full time (35 hours per week) fixed term post until 31st July 2027 and is available immediately.

Salary: £33,482 - £36,130 per annum (Grade 5). 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: Thursday, 5 June 2025

Closing date: Sunday, 22 June 2025

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

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Main function

To conduct research within the Clement neuroimmunology laboratory working on Glioblastoma and immune modulation, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of research in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake research within the Clement laboratory analysing T cell function during human Glioblastoma development that includes planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of the experiments
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
• To contribute and support research funding bids as required
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
  
  

Other

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques including molecular biology and cellular immunology within cancer immunology
• Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
• Ability to demonstrate the capability and drive to succeed in securing research funding
  
  

Communication and Team Working

• Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
• Excellent organisational and team-working skills
  
  

Other

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
• Proven ability to work without close supervision
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Previous knowledge/experience of working within cellular immunology (T cells) in vitro, analysing immune function including ELISA and flow cytometry
  
  

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, 20159BR

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.

Salary Range Min.

33,482

Salary Range Max.

36,130

Job Category

Academic - Research, Medical & Dental

Grade

Grade 5