Post Doctoral Research Associate

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Post Doctoral Research Associate
School of Dentistry
College of Biomedical & Life Sciences

Applications are invited for a part time (28 hours/week) Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position based at the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University.

Scarring of the skin affects millions of individuals annually leading to long-term physical dysfunction/psychological harm.  New, innovative therapies are needed that can stimulate the regeneration of normal, as opposed to scar, tissue.  Cells from inside your mouth (a non-scarring tissue) have recently been demonstrated by our Group to have excellent anti-scarring properties with these effects driven by secretions from the cells.  Hence, this project will investigate the scale-up of production of these secretions though the utilisation of 3D scaffold systems and the cost effectiveness of such an approach as part of the future clincial development of an anti-scarring therapeutic.

The role will involve mammalian stem cell culture, working with small extracellular vesicles, bioprinting and contributing to research papers and presentations.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, have a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or submitted in a related subject area or relevant experience of research. 

For confidential, informal enquiries regarding this vacancy please contact Professor Phil Stephens- Professor of Cell Biology, School of Dentistry ([email protected]). 

This post is part-time (28 hours per week), fixed term for a period of 8 months and available from 1st January 2024.
Work pattern to be agreed at appointment stage.

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

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Closing date: Wednesday, 3 January 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for this role), 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.

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

Main function 

To conduct research within the area of small extracellular vesicle scale up within 3D scaffolds 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 and Responsibilities 

Research
⦁    To conduct research within the area of small extracellular vesicle (SEV) scale up within 3D scaffolds: involving stem cell culture, working with bio-printed scaffolds and characterisation of the SEVs (biophysical and cell culture-based)
⦁    To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in national academic journals and the supervision of postgraduate research students
⦁    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 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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or submitted) 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 the following research fields:

i.    Mammalian cell culture

ii.    Small extracellular vesicle purification/analysis

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in the field of small extracellular vesicles

4.    Proven ability to publish in national journals and present at national conferences 

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

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

Desirable Criteria

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

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is the School of Dentistry'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, which for this post is, 17796BR – Post Doctoral Research Associate. 

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria, then their application will not be progressed.  The School of Dentistry welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic - Research