Research Fellow, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology

The purpose is to characterise a novel TBX2-KDM1A transcriptional repression complex responsible for the repression of key tumour
suppressor genes in breast tissue. We will identify genes downstream of this complex whose repression results in
senescence-bypass and survival of breast cancer cells. This is a Breast Cancer Now funded position. A range of cell-based assays,
molecular biology assays and the latest genomic screening techniques will be employed. Additionally, the successful applicant will be
expected to contribute to the day to day running of the lab including supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. To design, develop and execute experiments related to the above titled project under the supervision of Dr Paul Mullan, in order
to obtain reliable data, then evaluate and interpret the results using methodologies and other techniques appropriate to the area of the research.
2. To present regular progress reports on research to members of the research project team and, as appropriate, to other internal
or external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
3. Initiate and maintain collaborative links with various project partners.
4. To work as part of a collaborative team of biologists and medicinal chemists, including external partners, to ensure optimal
progression of the project at all times and to contribute to the achievement of project milestones.
5. To write up results in a timely manner and take a leadership role in writing research manuscripts for publication in high quality journals.
6. The appointed individual will be encouraged to formulate, write and submit grants for fellowship awards, project and travel support.
7. To attend and present new experimental data at national and international meetings as appropriate.
8. To assist with the supervision of postgraduate students, honours or summer students on mini-projects, which will help develop
their own supervisory skills.
9. Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research project/s to ensure that project/s are completed on time and within budget.
10. Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments in own specialism and related disciplines and
to maintain awareness of the context of the research project.
11. Any other reasonable duties within the general ambit of the post and competence of post holder.

Planning and Organising:
1. Plan own day-to-day activity within framework of the agreed research programme.
2. Plan up to a year in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
3. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Resource Management Responsibilities: 
1. Support the development and training of support staff and students by making available their research experience and expertise.
2. Take shared responsibility for the upkeep of lab equipment and replenishment of lab stocks and exercise due diligence when using equipment.

Internal and External Relationships:
1. Communicate appropriately with lab colleagues the latest research findings/results.
2. Develop contacts with other labs within the research community at Queen’s and look to identify potential cross-discipline collaborations.
3. Work collaboratively with external academic/industrial partners.
4. Join national and international scientifically relevant societies.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. Have or be about to obtain a PhD in biochemistry or molecular biology or related subject.
2. Three years’ relevant research experience.
3. Experience in molecular biology and protein analysis techniques, including: PCR/cloning, RNA interference, immunoblotting,
QPCR, cell cycle analysis and fluorescent microscopy. Experience in mammalian cell culture.
4. Must have published paper(s) in quality journals to a level commensurate with their research experience.
5. Evidence of proactive organisational capabilities.
6. Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.
7. Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with industry, community groups etc.
8. Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
9. Evidence of communication skills.
10. Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
11. Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks and research presentations.
12. Team worker, highly motivated.
13. Ability to assess and organise resources.
14. Demonstrable intellectual ability.
15. Ability to assess and organise resources.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

1. 1st Class undergraduate degree in science or pharmacy.
2. Previous track record of high quality research in the field of cancer biology.
3. Experience in genomic screening such as ChIP-seq or methylation analyses.
4. Experience of bioinformatics analyses.
5. Experience using in vivo models.
6. Evidence of scientific writing skills.
7. Evidence of participation in training/mentoring of students or junior staff.
8. Commitment to professional development, as evidenced by Scientific memberships eg. AACR.