Research Assistant

Job title:

Research Assistant

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateSchool of MedicineAdvertResearch Assistant in Telomeres, DNA repair and Genome Stability
Division of Cancer and Genetics
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life SciencesApplications are invited for a Research Assistant position to work on telomeres, DNA repair and genome stability in the laboratory of Professor Duncan Baird based in the Division of Cancer and Genetics at Cardiff University, UK. The position is funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).The research in the laboratory focuses understanding the mechanistic basis of fusion between short dysfunctional telomeres, how this process drives genomic instability and facilitates clonal evolution during the progression to malignancy in human cells.We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to focus on the role that key components of the classical and alternative non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways, including POLQ, play in telomere fusion and the escape from a telomere-driven crisis. The post will utilise gene knockouts and single molecule approaches to detect and characterise telomere dysfunction. Novel approaches for characterising genome-wide, telomere dependent, mutational events using long-read high throughput sequencing technology will also be employed.The Baird laboratory is part of the genome stability unit at Cardiff University, sharing laboratory space and state of the art equipment with Professor Simon Reed and Dr Greg Ngo. The successful applicant will be embedded in a vibrant and stimulating environment, working closely with geneticists, bioinformaticians, clinicians, biochemists, and neuroscientists. They will enjoy long term support and be carefully coached to develop their independent research career.The successful applicant will have a relevant research experience and have a knowledge of current status of research in at least one of the fields of telomere biology, genome stability and DNA repair.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.For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Duncan Baird – e-mail: BairdDM@cardiff.ac.uk.This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 23 months, and available immediately.Salary: £32,332 – £34,980 per annum (Grade 5). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances, however, for this position, the starting salary is capped at £32,332 (point 25) due to limited funding.Date advert posted: Thursday, 30 May 2024Closing date: Sunday, 16 June 2024Cardiff 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:Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Post Reference Number18522BRJob DescriptionJob PurposeTo contribute to research into telomere biology, genome instability and DNA repair, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesResearch

• To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of 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
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area

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

Salary Range Max.34,980GradeGrade 5Salary Range Min.32,332Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchAdditional InformationHow we will support you in performing in this role –
There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see ‘Essential Criteria’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience. We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you:1. Regular one-to-ones with your manager
2. An experienced and supportive team around you
3. Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require
4. A mentoring schemeIMPORTANT: Evidencing CriteriaIt is 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, 18522BR.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.Career PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education
1. A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experienceKnowledge, Skills and Experience
2. Knowledge of research methods and techniques within telomere biology and/or DNA repair
3. Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
4. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodiesCommunication and Team Working
5. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
6. Excellent organisational and team-working skillsOther
7. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within workDesirable Criteria1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
2. Relevant professional qualification(s)
3. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
4. Proven ability to work without close supervision
5. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Expected salary

£32332 – 34980 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Wed, 22 May 2024 07:08:07 GMT

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