Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate
Division of Infection and Immunity
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

A Research Associate position is available in the research group of Professor Awen Gallimore, in the Division of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University School of Medicine, based at Heath Park. This role will involve production of viral vectors and measurements of cell mediated immune responses. The long-term aim is to build successful cancer immunotherapies.

We are seeking an addition to the team with a PhD or equivalent qualification (or nearing completion/submission) or relevant industrial experience.

The work covers a wide variety of research areas, including molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, cell biology, and immunology. The successful candidate will have significant experience in immunology and molecular biology. They must show a willingness to develop skills and to help supervise a team of postgraduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff. Excellent communication skills, time management and self-motivation will be essential for this role. 

For enquiries about this position please contact Prof Awen Gallimore ([email protected]).

This post is full time (35 hours per week) fixed term until 30th October 2026 and is available immediately. 

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.

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.

Date Advertised: 16 April 2024

Closing date: 2 May 2024

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

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Main function 

To conduct research within cancer immunology and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Research 
•    To conduct research within cancer immunology 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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) 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.    Vector technology
ii.    Use of mouse models
iii.    Cellular Immunology 

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4.    Proven ability to publish in national journals / national conferences and/or other research outputs
5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to 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
9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

10.  Evidence of collaborations with industry.
11.  Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
12.  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

Home Office Licence desirable - The post is to use an animal model to test cancer immunotherapies. So the licence will be required once in post.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is the School of Medicine'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, in this instance for this post,18505BR.

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

Job Category

Academic - Research, Medical & Dental