Location
Norwich, Norfolk | United Kingdom
Job description
Main Purpose of the Job
To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.
This post is focused on understanding the microbiota of HR+ breast cancer (both beneficial and pathogenic genera) using a variety of samples (clinical cohorts, in vitro, and animal models). A combination of wet and dry approaches are required including microbial genomics, shotgun metagenomics, 16S rRNA amplicon profiling, plus in-depth data analysis and visualisation, culturing, molecular microbiology, in vitro cell line work and in vivo studies will used to integrate microbe-microbe and microbe-host responses.
Key Relationships
Line managers (Robinson and Hall)
Other members of the Robinson and Hall labs
Other stakeholders on the NRP
Communications and Governance at Breast Cancer Now
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Perform in vivo colonisation/tumour studies and associated histological and host response assays and analyses. Utilise in vitro models to probe microbe-host responses
Profile pre-clinical, clinical and animal microbiota profiles using a variety of cutting-edge computational approaches
Isolate and perform mechanistic studies in key cancer patient microbial taxa with a focus on Bifidobacterium.
Carry out in-depth genomic analyses of WGS and MAG data
Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the Institute and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.
Education & Qualifications
- Requirement
- Importance
- PhD or equivalent qualification relevant to research area
- Essential
- Robust publication record
- Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- High level analytical capability
- Essential
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Essential
- Experience/knowledge of Breast Cancer Immunology
- Desirable
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Desirable
Relevant Experience
- Requirement
- Importance
- Knowledge and experience of performing in vitro and in vivo studies with key bacterial taxa (including RNASeq data and histology)
- Essential
- Experience in bioinformatic analyses of microbiota samples
- Essential
- Extensive experience of microbial genomics and microbiota profiling and analysis approaches from a variety of sample types
- Essential
- Experience of working in a laboratory environment
- Essential
Management and Leadership
- Requirement
- Importance
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Desirable
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Desirable
- Ability to coordinate and manage multiple internal and external projects including presentation to external stakeholders
- Desirable
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Essential
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
- Essential
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Essential
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team
- Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity
- Essential
Additional Requirements
- Requirement
- Importance
- Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute
- Essential
- Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
- Essential
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Essential
- Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
- Essential
- Attention to detail
- Essential
- Previous/current PIL holder
- Desirable
Job tags
Salary
£35.3k - £43.75k per annum
