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Job description

Salary: £25,285 to £25,948 with progression to £27,396 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 23 June 2023

The Role

A Research Technician post is available as part of a programme of work funded by Cancer Research UK to investigate the biology of tumour-associated neutrophils in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour microenvironment. The post would be suited to a recent graduate at BSc or Masters level who wants to pursue their career in cancer immunology.

The project will use a variety of approaches including multi-omics, high performance imaging and experimental modelling (in vitro and in vivo) to determine phenotypes and functions of neutrophils in HCC tumours from clinical and experimental sources. You will work in the internationally renowned Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group under the supervision of Prof Derek Mann and Dr Jack Leslie and in close collaboration with colleagues based at the CRUK Beatson Institute at Glasgow.

The aim of the programme is to advance recent work from the team describing approaches by which tumour neutrophils can be therapeutically manipulated to enhance immunotherapy.

The post is full-time, fixed term for 1 year with the opportunity to extend.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be made to Prof Derek Mann ( [email protected] ).

Key Accountabilities

• You will have a strong interest in developing a career in cancer immunology and will preferably be able to demonstrate previous hands-on experience in either cell culture, molecular immunology, experimental modelling of disease, singe cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, flow cytometry or imaging
• Facilitate the fibrosis group in other aspects of its operation including contribution to laboratory meetings, contribution to web-based activities and contribution to its public engagement activities
• Facilitate general management and running of the laboratory including routine laboratory cleaning, maintenance, equipment upkeep and ordering of laboratory materials
• Analyse data statistically and have a major input into both the experimental design and methodology
• Attend research seminars and other departmental meetings as required. Contribute to the presentation of results to the group and to the research community in general
• Ensure that all work done in the laboratory complies with the applicable regulations concerning biohazards and radiation
• Arrange equipment maintenance and repair, as necessary
• Contribute to the preparation reports and scientific publications, as requested by project coordinators
• Comply with University policies, including financial regulations, equal opportunities policy, health and safety policy, promoting race equality policy, information systems security policy, data security and intellectual property rights
• Carry out any other duties, which may arise commensurate with the grade of the post, as requested by the project coordinators
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve problems and investigate replacement options
• Develop local procedures to establish and maintain a safe/compliant working environment
• Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork
• Complete accident reporting
• Maintain broad and up to date health and safety knowledge providing support/advice to others
• Schedule, prioritise and monitor work and performance in line with demands and deadlines
• Hold delegated responsibility from the academic/technical lead for the planning, operation and supervision of a variety of laboratory spaces
• Organise and facilitate progress and management meetings
• Oversee local record keeping, inventory and asset management
• Monitor resource usage and stores operations
• Source and negotiate with suppliers for a range of items including specialist parts/equipment
• Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service
• Design, develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering a broad range of activities (not limited to techniques and equipment)
• Develop a broad knowledge and skills base, sharing with others
• Mentor junior staff
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• An in depth understanding of cell and molecular biology with a particular focus on liver cancer
• Demonstrable previous skills in cell culture techniques
• Demonstrable previous skills in flow cytometry
• Demonstrable previous skills in histology, immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence staining
• RNA extraction from cells and tissue, PCR, real-time PCR (Sybr Green and molecular probe based)
• ELISA
• Experience/awareness of laboratory Health and Safety issues
• Good computer skills, with the ability to graph and statistically analyse data
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures and experience of safe waste management within a workshop/laboratory environment
• Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical laboratory role
• Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
• Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt to changes in teaching/research priorities

Desirable

• Demonstrable previous skills in single cell/spatial transcriptomics
• Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance the project
• Skills working with clinical specimens and samples
• Lab experience specific to the role
• Contribute to design and specification of teaching/research activities

Attributes and Behaviour

• Manage your time effectively and work independently on a day-to-day basis, but also work closely with Project supervisors and other members of the research team
• Excellent team working, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Excellent record-keeping, time management and organisational skills
• Good interpersonal skills to interface with staff
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision
• Work in a collaborative and flexible way
• Willing to work flexible hours due to the nature of the project and willing to work outside normal hours when necessary
• To exhibit University and Faculty values and principles
• Ability to respond enthusiastically and positively to undergraduate students

Qualifications

• A-level/HNC standard of education or equivalent in a related subject

Desirable

• BSc degree in related area
• MSc in relevant field

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 25551