Background & Context
This exciting new position is for a post-doctoral research associate to work for a 18-month fixed term contract on an industry funded project that has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important class of drug used in the treatment of cancers including breast cancer and lymphoma and represent one of the fastest growing sectors in the pharmaceutical industry. The therapeutic benefits of mAbs often occurs as a result of their ability to stimulate multiple biological processes in our body, in particular, different cells important to our immune system. As such, the ability to simultaneously measure the effect of the antibody on multiple cell types at the same time is of crucial importance in the development of these molecules as effective drugs, as well as determining their safety towards patients.
This project seeks to develop novel methods for determining the activity of monoclonal antibodies in systems containing multiple cell types whereby each process stimulated by the antibody can be investigated. This will be achieved using cell co-culture techniques coupled to unique reporter-gene assays developed at the University. Once suitable assays are developed, these novel assays will then be validated using a number of therapeutic antibodies used clinically.
This is a multi-disciplinary project between the Departments of Pharmacy/Pharmacology and Biology/Biochemistry at the University of Bath and is industrially sponsored by Qualasept Pharmaxo Holdings Ltd (QPHL). The project will utilize cutting-edge technology in the areas of molecular biology, cell biology, transfection techniques, reporter gene assays, protein biochemistry and therapeutic chemistry. In addition to state of the art facilities and resources at the University, the researcher will also gain added value by having the opportunity to directly interact with QPHL internal R&D team and enhance transferable skills through presentations to the company Board of Directors.
The successful applicant will be expected to possess cellular and biochemical skills, molecular biology skills and have experience in the use of lentiviral engineering technologies to create stable cell lines.
This post is available on a full-time basis for 18 months. For any informal discussion about the position please contact Dr Andrew Watts (
[email protected])
Job Purpose
To provide subject-specific research expertise and undertake specific research work to a Principal Investigator (PI)/Co-Investigator (CI) and their research team for a specified grant / project
Responsible to the PI/CI for (as appropriate to discipline:
• Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects. Take a lead in the experimental design and execution of the project. Collect and analyse existing data related to the project using qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Writing up results of research and contributing to publishing of results in high-quality peer-reviewed academic literature.
• Project management: e.g. timetabling and meeting project milestones; participating in regular discussions with collaborative partners. Liaise with key stakeholders/industrial partners and conduct focus groups.
• Disseminating results of project as appropriate to the discipline e.g. by presentations at conferences.
• Participate regularly in group meetings and prepare and deliver presentations to project team, internal and external stakeholders or funders.
• Assist with the supervision of graduate students and undergraduate project students and the assessment of student knowledge.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism to inform research activity.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Disseminate knowledge of research advances to inform departmental teaching effort.
To be considered you must have a PhD degree in subject area of direct relevance for the project, or an equivalent professional qualification (and significant relevant experience where applicable).
To apply please send in a CV and Cover Letter explaining why you are suitable to
[email protected] this role closes on 16th August 2020, with shortlisting the following week and interviews late August / Early September .