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Applications are invited for the above full-time Post-doctoral research post working in the laboratory of UKRI Future Leader Fellow Dr Chris Staples, within the North West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences. The project will involve in-depth analysis of post-replicative repair mechanisms in cancer cell lines, employing many standard molecular and cell biology techniques in addition to generation of KO cell lines and DNA fibre assays. The successful applicant will also conduct a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-based chemogenetic screen to identify novel cancer cell vulnerabilities.

Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant subject or be close to sitting their viva voce. They should also have a strong interest in DNA repair, replication and genome stability, and appropriate experience in basic molecular and cell biology techniques.

There is a degree of flexibility in the start date, though the successful candidate should expect to start no later than November 1st, 2023 and the post is available for a fixed-term duration of 2 years.

This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Christopher Staples, Research Lecturer, North Wales Cancer Research Institute [email protected]

Committed To Equal Opportunities

Overview

North-West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences:

The successful applicant will work within a vibrant and well-funded laboratory within the NWCRI. Research in the NWCRI focuses on cancer cell biology and genetics, from molecular characterisation to biomarker identification and drug development. The Staples laboratory focuses on the replication stress response (Bennett et al., 2020 Sci Adv), and on the identification of novel cancer genetic vulnerabilities via pooled genome-wide CRISPR screening.

The Project

The main aim of this project is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning the function of a novel DNA repair factor in the cancer cell response to chemotherapy. Our group have identified important roles for this protein in chemoresistance and in post-replicative ssDNA gap suppression, and our recent work also suggests the existence of a completely novel mechanism of anti-cancer drug resistance. The aim of this work is to define this mechanism and employ pooled CRISPR screening to identify synthetic lethal interactions in cells lacking this novel factor. More information can be obtained by contacting Dr Chris Staples via email at [email protected]

Purpose of the Job

The post holder will be responsible for helping plan, conduct, analyse and publish a series of laboratory experiments with the aim of fully elucidating the novel mechanism that is being investigated. The successful applicant will gain important experience by assisting with manuscript writing and figure preparation and will have the opportunity to present their work at national and international conferences.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducting publication-quality, reproducible laboratory-based experiments involving several standard and advanced techniques (Western blotting, immunofluorescence, DNA fibre assays, flow cytometry, generation of KO cell models via CRISPR, genome-wide CRISPR screening).
• Data analysis and interpretation (mainly Excel, ImageJ, Prism).
• Administration of the research project (ordering, time management).
• Actively participate in group meetings and departmental meetings.
• Assist with manuscript preparation.
• Present findings at meetings when appropriate.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for him/her self and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by his/her actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential:

• PhD in relevant subject, or be close to or be close to sitting their viva voce.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential:

• The ability to undertake appropriate quantitative analysis.

• Excellent general knowledge of cell and molecular biology.

• Previous experience of any techniques listed in the description above.

• Proven track record of publications in quality journals.

Desirable:

• Proven track record of conference presentations.

Skills/Abilities

Essential:

• Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.

• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.

• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.

Desirable:

• Demonstrate proven project management skills.

• Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel.

• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.

• Any other skills / abilities relevant to the duties and responsibilities.

• Demonstrate interpersonal skills.

Other

Essential:

• This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

General

The 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 strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

All candidates must meet the requirements of UK ‘right to work’ requirements *** If you require Home Office permission to work in the UK, or need to switch your visa status in order to take this job we recommend you use the following link to information about the routes into employment and to check eligibility requirements: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

Please note that we are unable to employ anyone who does not have the right to live and work in the UK legally. When applying for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will be able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful.

Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

Disclosure & Barring Service

This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

As Bangor University meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions. DBS checks will be updated every 3 years.

Candidates should note that the University uses an external Umbrella body to process DBS checks. As such you should be aware that, if successful in your application, your name and e-mail contact details will be shared with the Umbrella body in order that they may contact you to start the application process.