Job Purpose
To make a leading contribution to a CRUK/SU2C*-funded project “Derivation of novel non-invasive radiomic and AI-based classifiers to determine molecular behaviour of rectal cancer and its treatment response to radiotherapy”.
Radiotherapy (RT) is standard neoadjuvant treatment in rectal cancer but there is substantial heterogeneity of treatment response and no predictive biomarkers. Our group has pioneered a prospective serial biopsy protocol during RT demonstrating feasibility of multiple analyses including serial multiplex immunofluorescence (MIF) and RNA seq. We now aim to use state-of-the-art engineering and computer science techniques to define novel non- invasive classifiers of (A) treatment response and (B) tumour biology by incorporating imaging based radiomics data, deep learning-based histomorphological characteristics and existing molecular/immune data in biopsies.
The successful candidate, working within Professor Campbell Roxburgh’s research team, will be responsible for investigating and characterising multimodal datasets (e.g., RNAseq, m IF) developing skills in integrative analysis, and developing novel classifiers that correlate with both underlying biological processes and response to treatment. The post will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
- Supported by the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) campaign for Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [Ph D] or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role[s].
A2. A comprehensive and up to date knowledge of cancer research.
A3. Knowledge of specific techniques including RNAseq, multiplex immunofluorescence and histopathology.
Desirable
B1. Knowledge of colorectal cancer and tissue-based research.
Skills
Essential
C1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
C2 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
C3 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
C4 Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with colleagues at different Universities and the NHS.
C5 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills in terms of human clinical data, transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry/multiplex immunofluorescence.
C6 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
Experience
Essential
E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in the cancer field as appropriate for an early career researcher.
E2 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
E3 Experience in undertaking independent research.
E4 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £40,247- £45,163per annum
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 36 months
As part of Team Uof G you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month Uof G Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.