Research Assistant/Research Associate in Prostate Cancer Research

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a researcher for in vitro pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutic antibodies targeting cancer-associated glycans for prostate cancer. Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant field and experience in tissue culture and various laboratory techniques. The role includes contributing to grant applications, presenting research findings, and collaborating with academic staff. A competitive salary ranging from £33,002 to £46,049 per annum is offered, along with a generous holiday package and other benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong subject knowledge of cancer research and advanced skills related to research projects.
• Experience of research with presentations at conferences and high-quality publications.
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out specified research projects using appropriate techniques.
• Contribute to grant applications and develop research objectives.
• Present research findings at conferences and through publications.

Skills

Cell culture

Immunofluorescence

Immunohistochemistry

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Research environment awareness

Education

PhD in cancer research or related field

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, or genetics

Job description

Project Overview

This project aims to perform in vitro pre‑clinical evaluation of therapeutic antibodies (targeting cancer‑associated glycans) as novel therapies for prostate cancer. The researcher will also assist with other projects in the lab when needed. Applicants must have a PhD in a related area and expertise in tissue culture, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Work under the guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator to contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of studies, thereby providing substantial value.
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements, determining appropriate methodologies for research with advice and support where required.
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and, over 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 or scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to the writing up of research for publication and dissemination, either through seminars, conference presentations or publications.
• Present research findings 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 supporting postgraduate research students or research assistants.
• Work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, interacting intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science, social sciences, or humanities.
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
• Show the ability to work well as part of a team and acquire new skills rapidly.

Qualifications

• Strong subject knowledge of cancer research.
• Advanced skills directly related to the research projects.
• High level of analytical and problem‑solving capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and encourage the commitment of others.
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some awareness of the research environment.
• Presentations at conferences and/or high‑quality publications.
• Knowledge of cancer research, molecular biology and statistics.
• Excellent generic laboratory skills and evidence of ability to deliver technically difficult experiments and acquire new techniques quickly.
• Experienced in cell culture, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Some postdoctoral experience.
• Knowledge of prostate cancer, glycosylation and pre‑clinical drug testing.
• Culture of primary and/or immune cells.
• Experience of in vitro cell behaviour assays (cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion).
• Record of completing research, including writing for publications and presentation of data at conferences.
• Publication record in cancer research (or related field).

Attributes and Behaviour

• Clear commitment to research.
• Excellent team working and communication skills.
• Professional attitude to scholarship and research.
• Strong analytical and experimental planning skills.
• Excellent personal organisation, record keeping and attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a science subject – preferably molecular biology, cell biology, or genetics.
• A PhD in cancer research or related field (or close to submission of PhD for Research Assistant level).

Salary and Benefits

Salary: Research Assistant £33,002 to £34,610 per annum. Research Associate £35,608 to £46,049 per annum.

Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package, the opportunity to purchase additional holidays, a great pension scheme and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Equal Opportunities

Newcastle University is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from individuals who complement our existing teams. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and supporting colleagues from all sectors of society, including those fleeing violence and persecution.

We hold a Gold Athena Swan award for gender equality and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award for tackling race inequality. We are also a Disability Confident employer and support disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process.

We are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.