Research Fellow – Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences – 107757 – Grade 7 Full-time NEW

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to work as an NIH-funded Research Fellow in the radiobiology research Group led by Professor Jason Parsons. You will contribute to cutting-edge research investigating the impact of hypoxia on the biology of protons and high-LET radiation. This work will be delivered using our unique, and national, radiation resources as part of Cancer Research UK RadNet Birmingham, which is a multidisciplinary partnership across the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Specifically, the project will use in vitro (2D cell lines, 3D spheroids and patient-derived organoids) models of head and neck cancers to characterise the impact of hypoxia on the biological effectiveness of photons versus proton beam therapy and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). This will also involve determining possible strategies to target cellular proteins leading to enhanced tumour cell killing by radiotherapy under hypoxia. Research will utilise protons and BNCT delivered through the MC-40 cyclotron and high flux accelerator-driven neutron source, respectively.

Our long term goal is to contribute to improvements in cancer patient outcome and reduced treatment toxicities following radiotherapy.

Role Summary

• Work within the specified research grant and project
• Operate within the area of radiobiology
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating peer-reviewed publications and further grant funding

Main Duties

The responsibilities include:

• Contribution to the development of radiobiology research within the Parsons Group
• Work closely and communicate effectively with other members of the Group, and with colleagues in the School of Physics and Astronomy
• Take responsibility for taking key decisions regarding the project and planning future experiments
• Acquire, analyse and interpret research data acquired using a variety of research methods and apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Disseminate research findings for publication, seminars, conferences, etc
• Assist in the supervision of PhD, masters and undergraduate students on research related work
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and scientific conferences
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• PhD (or near to completion) in radiation biology, cancer biology, molecular biology (or another relevant discipline)
• Evidence of playing a key role in a leading-edge scientific research project
• Substantial laboratory expertise using molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience running diverse laboratory experiments
• Evidence of prior research productivity
• Excellent project planning, organisational and time-management skills
• Excellent data acquisition, recording and scientific writing skills
• Excellent communication skills, and in delivering oral presentations at national/international meetings
• Familiarity with key research literature
• Highly motivated and keen to learn
• Constant ability to produce high quality/quantity of work
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Punctual, reliable and professional approach to work
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritise work

Desirable criteria

• Expertise in radiobiology research relating to proton and high-LET radiotherapy
• Knowledge of the molecular and cellular responses to ionising radiation of increasing LET in normoxia versus hypoxia, particularly via DNA damage repair and cell survival pathways
• Significant expertise of cellular culture techniques, including the utilisation of 3D spheroid and organoid models
• Previous experience of head and neck cancer research would be advantageous
• First author publication(s) in a peer-reviewed journal
• Good laboratory practice and skills
• Ability to solve scientific problems
• Ability to assist in the supervision of masters and undergraduate project students

Informal enquiries to Jason Parsons, email: j.parsons.3@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.