Job Opportunities in United Kingdom

Main function

The Medicines Discovery Institute is looking to attract an experienced Cell Biologist to support the development of a novel therapy for neurodegenerative disease. The project is funded by Astex Pharmaceuticals and is full-time until end of December 2025. The successful candidate will have expertise and practical experience in cell biology of lysosomes, endocytosis or autophagy, and be able to analyse data created, and report findings to the project team. Further experience in ion signalling, and with cellular models of neurodegenerative disease would be desirable.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within lysosomal biology including generation, analysis and reporting of data, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including reports for partner companies, bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences.
• To develop research objectives within the auspices of the project, including research plans and proposals.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars/project partner meetings at a local and national level as required.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To participate in Medicines Discovery Institute/School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world

General duties

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.

IMPORTANT: EVIDENCING CRITERIA

The University uses the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. 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 save your supporting statement in a separate document with the title [YOURNAME-BR NUMBER-JOB TITLE] and attach it to your application in the recruitment system.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. Postgraduate degree at Ph D level (or nearing completion/ submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within lysosomal cell biology, endocytosis or autophagy
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals, national/international conferences and/or other research outputs e.g. pre-print manuscripts, conference abstracts or posters.
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

1. Expertise in ion signalling.
2. Experience in cell biology support in the development of a new neurodegeneration drug from hit/lead to preclinical development.
3. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
4. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
5. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

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Academic - Research

Grade 6