Please note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment. Internal Redeployment Only - Research Associate Division of Cancer & Genetics School of Medicine College of Biomedical and Life Sciences Cardiff University is seeking a talented, meticulous and highly motivated immunologist to work in the V iral I mmuno T herapies and A dvanced therapeutics L aboratory (VITAL), in the research team of Dr Carly Bliss. This funding is awarded by Advancing Radiotherapy Cymru (ARC) and Cancer Research UK, and will investigate the potential of adenoviruses to be used as cancer therapies through the activation of T cells. The development and delivery of immunology-based and virus-based assays will be a key component of the research conducted, with a core focus on antiviral cellular immunity. The project will require the successful candidate to conduct a variety of in vitro and ex vivo assays, including virus transduction assays, irradiation of cancer cell lines, generation/maintenance of T cell lines and organoids, in addition to a number of different T cell assays. The project is centred around the use of cancer patient blood samples, coupled with some patient involvement activities. Applicants should have a postgraduate degree at PhD level or relevant industrial experience in immunology, including flow cytometry, cell culture, T cell assays and PBMC separation. Previous experience of ELISpot assays, organoid models, sample cataloguing, applying statistics to biological data, and engaging/involving patients in research would also be advantageous. This post will be based in the Cancer Genetics Building, Heath Park campus. Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Carly Bliss– e-mail: BlissC@Cardiff.ac.uk This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term until 31 December 2027, and available from 1 August 2026. Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances. Closing date: Sunday, 03 May 2026 Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. Job Purpose To conduct research within antiviral T cell immunology and the development of cancer therapeutics, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publication of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. Main Duties and Responsibilities Research • To conduct research into the use of adenoviruses as cancer therapies through the activation of T cells. • To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. • To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals. • To attend and or present at conferences/seminars 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 School research activities. • To build and create networks both internally and externally to the University, to include 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. • Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role. How we will support you in performing in this role - There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see ‘Essential Criteria’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience. We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you: 1. Regular one-to-ones with your manager 2. An experienced and supportive team around you 3. Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require 4. A mentoring scheme IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria It is School of Medicine's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. 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 ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 21655BR. If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria. Essential Criteria Qualifications and Education 1. Postgraduate degree at PhD 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 T cell immunology, including flow cytometry 3. Experience of primary cell culture and PBMC separation 4. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field 5. Proven ability to publish in national journals and contribute to peer-reviewed abstracts to national and/or international conferences and/or other research outputs 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 10. Experience in generating/maintaining organoids, conducting ELISpot assays, and in sample cataloguing/managing sample tracking documentation 11. Application of basic statistical methods to biological data 12. Experience of engaging or involving patients in research 13. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School