Research Associate - Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine

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

The Division of Infection and Immunity is looking to appoint a Research Associate. This position will be in the groups of Professors Andrew Godkin, Awen Gallimore and Gavin Wilkinson, situated within the School of Medicine.

The 3 year post is funded by a Wellcome Trust collaborator grant and will work on the project entitled: 'Designing Unconventional Peptide Modifications to Universally Enhance CD4+ T Cell Activation'. This project takes a fundamentally different approach to therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, by focusing on the details of the TCR:pMHC-II interaction. We aim to generate high affinity TCR:pMHC-II interactions, with no loss of specificity, by targeting changes in the epitope flanking regions. This approach will be used to generate HLA-bespoke vaccines to test in models of infection and cancer. The long-term aim is to match superior vaccines to the individuals' HLA background, personalizing treatment, and transforming vaccine design.

The successful candidate will join groups that uses novel immunotechnological approaches to generate recombinant viruses, and test their ability to induce T cell responses in both humans and in vivo models of infection and cancer.

Experience in molecular biology, cellular immunology, in vivo models of infection and / or cancer would be useful.
For further information candidates should contact Professor Andrew Godkin, Prof Awen Gallimore or Dr Rich Stanton (godkinaj@cardiff.ac.uk or gallimoream@cardiff.ac.uk; StantonRJ@cardiff.ac.uk)

This post is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term position for 3 years and is available immediately.

Salary: £32,548 - £38,833 per annum (Grade 6)

 

Job Description

Main function

• To conduct research within the field of cancer/virus 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 the field of infection and immunity 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

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in immunology or relevant industrial experience
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience in one or more of the following research fields:
  • Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy
  • Recombinant virus vector technology
  • T cell biology
  • In vivo models of infection and cancer
• Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
• Proven ability to publish in national journals
• Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding
  

 

Communication and Team Working

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
  

 

Other

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
• Proven ability to work without close supervision
  

 

Desirable Criteria

• BSc in a biological science, PhD in a relevant related subject
• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.