This role will involve characterising the response of cells with a range of different tissue and genetic backgrounds to ionising radiation across a range of biological endpoints, and correlate this with their underlying biology. You work as part of an interdisciplinary team funded through Dr McMahon’s UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to develop novel predictive models of intrinsic sensitivity to radiation therapy.
The successful candidate will work in collaboration with other members of the team to support the interpretation of these data, and the development of new integrated models of the drivers of radiation sensitivity. You will also be expected to contribute to the supervision of junior members of the team, including undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as day-to-day running of the laboratory.
A range of biological assays (including clonogenic assays, quantification of chromosome aberrations and measurement of DNA damage through immunofluorescence) will be used to characterise in detail the response of cells to ionising radiation. This will include both tumour cell lines and genetically-modified lines derived from normal tissues, and involve irradiations with X-rays, alpha particles and protons (in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston).
The successful candidate must have:
Established in 2007, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research is a 5,000m2 purpose-built interdisciplinary centre, comprised of scientific teams from Biomedical Science, Clinical Medicine, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering and Radiobiology. The centre works collaboratively with partners around the world in order to translate research into innovative cancer treatments that enhance and extend life.
The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research is the beating heart of a comprehensive cancer research programme in Belfast, focused on accelerating the delivery of scientific discovery to clinical application. The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research is the research hub of the Belfast ECMC and the Belfast Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC), operating in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Our integrated clinical and scientific programmes address clinically unmet needs. Our principal objective is to promote evidence-based, innovative clinical trials in order to underpin improved patient outcomes in high incidence solid tumours of Gastro-Intestinal, Prostatic, Breast and Ovarian origin, and in specific Blood Cancers. Our unifying research theme is to develop translational outputs, in the form of biomarkers and/or novel therapeutic strategies that enable our Centre to be at the forefront of personalised cancer medicine in these prevalent diseases.
Queen’s University Belfast is a driver of innovation based on our talented, multinational workforce. Throughout the University, our academics are collaborating across disciplines to develop new discoveries and insights, working with outside agencies and institutions on projects of international significance. We are connected and networked with strategic partnerships across the world, helping us to expand our impact on wider society locally, nationally and globally. The University is committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best global talent within an environment that enables them to realise their full potential.
We are a leader in gender equality and diversity, and are one of the UK’s most successful universities in the Athena SWAN initiative which promotes gender equality and career progression. The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences currently hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Silver award. We are ranked 1st in the UK for knowledge transfer partnerships, (Innovate UK) 9th in the UK for University facilities (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018) and 14th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019).
Based in Belfast, a modern capital city, our beautiful campus is surrounded by abundant acres of parkland and is renowned as one of the safest and affordable cities in the UK. The choice of local Schools from pre-nursery upwards are some of the best available, and lovers of the outdoors can enjoy any number of activities from rowing and kayaking to top class golf among many others. We are immensely proud of what our city and our University will offer you.
For full job details and criteria please see the Candidate Information link on our website by clicking ‘apply’. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria when you submit your application. For further information please contact Resourcing Team, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN. Telephone (028) 9097 3044 or email resourcing@qub.ac.uk .
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and to selection on merit. We welcome applications from all sections of society and particularly from people with a disability.
Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but, in particular circumstances, may be renewed or made permanent, subject to availability of funding.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr. Karl Butterworth via email to k.butterworth@qub.ac.uk
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