Research Associate (Cancer Biology)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a renowned research university as a Research Associate specializing in Cancer Biology. You will collaborate on cutting-edge studies involving ovarian and pancreatic cancer, utilizing advanced in vitro and in vivo models. The role offers professional development and a competitive benefits package in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Commitment to staff development

Discounts on shopping and dining

Qualifications

• PhD in cancer cell biology is a must.
• Experience with 2D and 3D cancer cell models.
• Proven track record in research with at least one peer-reviewed publication.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture experiments using ovarian and pancreatic cancer cell lines.
• Conduct Zebrafish xenotransplant studies for metastasis.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

PhD in Cancer Cell Biology

Tools

Live and Fixed Microscopy

Zebrafish Xenotransplants

2D and 3D Tissue Culture Models

Job description

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Join to apply for the Research Associate (Cancer Biology) role at The University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield provided pay range

This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are seeking an independent and motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR)-funded project on ovarian and pancreatic cancer metastasis. The successful applicant will employ 2D and 3D in vitro models, as well as a Zebrafish in vivo model to decipher the molecular mechanisms controlling peritoneal metastasis formation. This project is a close collaboration with Dr van Eeden group at the University of Sheffield.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a subject related to cancer cell biology along with experience 2D and 3D tissue culture models, cell-ECM interaction, live and fixed microscopy alongside Zebrafish xenotransplants models. Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and ability to work to a high standard are also essential.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform 2D and 3D cell culture experiments using a variety of ovarian and pancreatic cancer cell lines
• Study ECM remodelling and cell-ECM interactions using live and fixed microscopy
• Perform Zebrafish xenotransplant to study cell migration and metastasis in vivo
• Conduct personal research of international standing into the above-mentioned remit for the study. Moreover, the postholder needs to be able to identify literature and update their own knowledge, assessing the validity of the relevant literature and its contribution to the development of their own field.
• Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress and initiate and implement relevant programmes of research.
• Disseminate research findings/results through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentation either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars.
• Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Provide support to PI for research proposals and funding applications.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.
• Delegate and monitor the work of research students.
• Plan up to several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and posters for conferences.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
  
  

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in an area related to cancer cell biology

Essential

Application/interview

Experience with 2D and 3D cancer cell culture systems

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in simple and complex ECM preparation/generation

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in fixed and live cell imaging

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in Zebrafish xenograft cancer models

Essential

Application/interview

Significant contribution to at least 1 peer-reviewed publication

Essential

Application/interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of working as part of a team and a willingness to supervise PhD and undergraduate students

Essential

Application/interview

Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research associated with current projects

Essential

Application/interview

Knowledge of ovarian and pancreatic cell biology

Desirable

Application/interview

Knowledge of ECM remodelling enzymes

Desirable

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

£38,249 - £39,355 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time (100% FTE)

Duration

Fixed term for a period of 3 years (01/09/2025 - 31/08/2028)

Line manager

Senior Lecturer/Research Group Leader

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences and Elena Rainero

For informal enquiries about this job contact Elena Rainero, Senior Lecturer: on [e-mail] or on 0114 222 3696

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. This will consist of interviews, which will include a 10-minute presentation followed by Q&A. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Biosciences Hr Mailbox.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• support for those going through the menopause
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more
  

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

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