The Role
We have an exciting opportunity to work on an MRC-funded project investigating the mechanistic role of PFKFB3 in Metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and Liver cancer. The project is led by Professor Fiona Oakley in collaboration with Edinburgh University.
You will be embedded within the Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group in the Biosciences Institute at Newcastle University, and the project will involve tissue cultures of pre-clinical models and complex cell cultures (including ex vivo precision cut liver or tumour slice cultures), to explore the impact of cell-specific modulation of PFKFB3 to interrogate the disease biology to better understand the disease biology and identify new drug targets. The project will involve advanced histological, biochemical and molecular approaches.
You will be responsible for collection, processing, analysis, presentation (writing, graph production, image production and oral presentations at national/international conferences) and storage of experimental data in accurate, secure, detailed and up- to-date records of all work carried out to GLP standard.
You will use your knowledge and experience of liver fibrosis and liver cancer, in vivo models to deliver this challenging project.
This post is fixed term until 15 June 2028.
For informal enquiries contact: Professor Fiona Oakley at .
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As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
Key Accountabilities
1. Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
2. Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
3. Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
4. Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
5. Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
6. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
7. Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
8. Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
9. May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
10. Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
11. May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
12. Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
13. Detailed knowledge of the molecular and immunological mechanisms of liver fibrosis and liver cancer biology
14. Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
15. Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
16. High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
17. Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
18. Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
19. Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
20. The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and manage and co-ordinate complex projects across multiple research teams
21. Extensive experience of working with mouse models of liver fibrosis and liver cancer
22. Excellent skills in flow cytometry, imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and associated analysis, including the design and validation of complex Flow and IMC panels
23. Cell culture including; isolation of human and mouse primary cells and Experience of working with precision cut tissue slices
24. Excellent skills in preparing both mouse and human tissues for histological analysis
25. Single cell RNA-seq
26. Experience of working with a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) under Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)
Desirable
27. Skills in bioinformatics (e.g. knowledge of Matlab, R, Python)
Attributes and Behaviour
28. Able to work independently as well as part of a team
29. Enthusiastic and hard working
30. Willingness to work outside normal office hours on occasion if required
31. A commitment to research as evidenced by completion of previous research projects and publications
Desirable
32. Willingness to engage with and disseminate research to the public
33. Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance the project
Qualifications
34. Honours degree with some subject knowledge of liver fibrosis and cancer biology (Research Assistant)
35. A PhD (or close to completion) in liver fibrosis and/or cancer biology required (Research Associate)
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 award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28476