Post Doctoral Research Associate

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Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Biomaterials Science at Cardiff University
School of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Project Title: Rethinking repurposing: Developing cryogel technology to address glioblastoma recurrence through year-long local delivery of repurposed therapeutics.

About the Newland Lab:

Our lab is in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences situated a stone’s throw from the beautiful Bute Park in Cardiff, the vibrant Welsh capital city. The group, headed by Dr Ben Newland, focuses on creating innovative drug delivery systems to address challenges in brain cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and the neurosciences in general (www.newlandresearch.com ).

We formed our group in 2017 and have built an enthusiastic team and collaborate with numerous field leading neuroscientists and neurodevelopmental biologists across Britain and Europe. The newly established temperature-controlled laboratory now boasts a wide range of recently procured specialist equipment for material sciences and cell culture.

About the Role:

An opportunity is now available for a highly motivated post-doc (PDRA) to carry out their own innovative research into the development for a modular drug delivery system for repurposing drugs for brain cancer therapeutics. Soft, implantable cryogel scaffolds will form the basis of the technology, from where you will optimise these microcarriers for drug loading and sustained release of therapeutics. However, this project, part funded by both the Medical Research Council, and Brain Tumour Research, will be carried out together with academic neurosurgeon collaboration partners in the University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham, where ex-vivo screening of likely drug candidates will inform the future direction of the project in terms of which drugs to load and release. Finally, in vivo analysis of strong drug/delivery system combinations will take place by our collaboration partners at the University of Nottingham. The Cardiff part of the project specifically entails in silico screening a bank of drugs for charges, solubility and potential anticancer mechansims, then developing the cryogel delivery system. Following ex vivo screening by our partners, you will then need to test the loading and release of lead drug candidates and perform cell culture experiments to assess the cytotoxity towards brain cancer cells. 

This position is full-time, and fixed term for 20 months. 

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local 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.

Secondment opportunity welcome - please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Date advert posted: Monday, 18 December 2023

Closing date: Monday, 22 January 2024

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

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

To conduct research within biomaterials science/drug delivery system development and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• To conduct research within biomaterials science/drug delivery system development and 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 influence 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.

General Duties 

•  Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

Biomaterials science/drug delivery systems

Cell culture/cell biology

Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

Proven ability to publish in international journals

Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

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

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

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

Job Category

Academic - Research