Research Fellow – Lead Biologist

14749BR

Cardiff School of Biosciences

Research

Advert

Research Fellow – Lead Biologist 

The Medicines Discovery Institute represents a major investment in translational science by Cardiff University. The goal of the Institute is to translate world-leading research on scientific understanding of disease mechanisms into innovative therapeutic approaches.  Our vision is to play a leading role in discovering new medicines in areas of high unmet need, with a particular emphasis on, but not exclusive to, neuroscience and mental health.  We have a vibrant community of researchers across both academic and biotech sectors engaged in major research programmes which build off the unique strengths of Cardiff University and work collaboratively with other universities and companies across Wales and internationally. 

In addition to a number of drug discovery projects running at Cardiff University, funded principally by the Wellcome Trust and the MRC, we have an established drug discovery group who establish a pipeline of new projects.  Our team translate exciting new discoveries in neuroscience, mental health and cancer into potential new medicines for onward development through both academic and commercial routes.

The successful candidate will work on the Allosteric modulators of spinal cord glycine receptors for the treatment of chronic pain project. You will work with a team of in house biologists and chemists and liaise with external collaborators in pursuit of the goal of novel, CNS-penetrant modulators of a Glycine receptor ion channels for the treatment of chronic pain.

This position is full time and fixed term until 31 December 2024. 

Salary: £44,737 – £51,805 per annum (Grade 7). Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above grade 7.41, currently £48,841 per annum.

The post will be based at Cardiff University and will be part of a multi-disciplinary drug discovery team.  For informal inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Date advert posted: Friday, 23 September 2022

Closing date:  Monday, 10 October 2022

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 who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. 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

Job Description

Main function 

To lead or work within research projects, to contribute to the research record of the School through commitment to carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Research 

•    To independently develop research objectives within as biologist on a Glycine receptor project, projects or proposals for own or joint research including research funding acting as a PI as required. To develop research networks through regular national/international conference/seminar presentations 

•    To plan and implement overall project strategy, including both in-house and external academic collaboration, including Contract Research Organisation activities.

•    To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of research and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas

•    To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective national and international publications, research seminars, meetings and conferences

•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,  explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

•    To supervise and develop other research staff within own research projects

•    To provide guidance students in own specialist area, including supervising and assessing undergraduate projects

•    To participate in School research activities. 

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 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.

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application. 

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level 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 or academic experience within one or more of the following research fields:
    Cys-loop family (i.e., Glycine, GABAA, NACh or 5HT3 receptor) ion channel pharmacology
    Evidence of contributing to the identification and development of novel positive and/or negative allosteric modulators.
    Fluorimetric-based cellular functional assays (e.g. FLIPR) and other plate-based assay formats.

3.    Ability to develop new techniques and introduce new technology to a research and laboratory environment.

4.    Proven substantial record of publications in national journals and/or other research outputs.

5.    Proven ability attain competitive research funding along with a strong portfolio of research grants. 

6.    Familiarity with and experience uploading to industry-standard databases e.g. Dotmatics.

Communication and Team Working

7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

8.    Proven ability to write reports summarising large volumes of data.

9.    Experience as a Line Manager.

Other

10.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

Desirable Criteria 

1.    Relevant professional qualification(s). 

2.    Evidence of collaborations with industry..

3.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

4.    Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

5.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the teaching and research activities of the School. 

6.    A willingness to take responsibility for academically related administration.

Additional Information

n/a

Job Category

Academic – Research