Research Associate (597181)

FTE: 1

Term:  Fixed Term (Until 31 May 2027)

Join our dynamic research team in the Molecular Oncology and Radiobiology (MORa) research group led by Dr Natividad Gomez-Roman at the Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumour in adults. Our groundbreaking work has uncovered a critical link between cholesterol metabolism, specifically in its intracellular trafficking, and GBM treatment resistance, opening up exciting avenues for innovative therapeutic strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to contribute to this cutting-edge project.

As a Research Associate, you will play a pivotal role in identifying and evaluating cholesterol trafficking-targeted treatment modalities for GBM, with the ultimate aim of improving patient outcomes. The project involves investigating the dependencies of GBM on cholesterol, exploring novel cholesterol trafficking targets, and developing combination therapies with standard care, radiation and chemotherapy. Your work will involve a multidisciplinary approach, combining cellular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation (CRISPRi) techniques in state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo preclinical models to identify optimal treatment combinations.  This project is a collaboration with the teams led by Prof. Anthony Chalmers, at the University of Glasgow, and Dr Spencer Collis and Dr Ola Rominiyi at the University of Sheffield. 

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions.   You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in cancer models, ideally in glioblastoma, as well as in two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture, CRISPR screens and microscopy.  You will also have the ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: work experience in radiobiology, animal preclinical models and the following software packages: ImageJ Fiji, RStudio and Cell Profiler.   As a young research group, experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities, and/or experience of knowledge exchange related activities is desirable.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr. Natividad Gomez-Roman, Strathclyde Chancellor’s Fellow ([email protected] ).