Job Overview
We are launching an opportunity for a Research Assistant or Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary translational cancer research team investigating therapeutic vulnerabilities in neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), with a focus on prostate cancer. You will be based within the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer working with Dr Daniel Westaby and Dr Luke Gaughan and collaborating with colleagues at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. The post sits within a translational programme linking laboratory discovery, medical oncology and biomarker-driven therapeutic development. The project is funded by the JGW Patterson Foundation.
Responsibilities
- Establish, maintain and characterise neuroendocrine-like cancer cell line models relevant to high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
- Design and perform pharmacological drug‑screening studies using agents that target the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
- Conduct mechanistic apoptosis studies including cell viability assays, caspase assays, western blotting and siRNA or related gene perturbation experiments.
- Analyse experimental datasets to interpret treatment response, resistance mechanisms and biomarker associations.
- Contribute to the development of translational outputs, including presentations, manuscripts, grant proposals and future patient‑derived or organoid model work.
- Collect, analyse and interpret research data; draw conclusions on outcomes.
- Coordinate own work with others, use problem‑solving to achieve research objectives, and contribute to project planning.
- Present research findings at conferences, in publications and to senior investigators.
- Write up results for reports, papers, chapters and other dissemination activities.
- Assist in grant applications and develop own research objectives and funding proposals.
Qualifications
- Honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g., cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences) or close to submission of a relevant PhD; PhD awarded in a relevant field is preferred.
- Strong background knowledge in cancer biology, molecular biology and apoptosis signalling.
- Experience working with cancer cell line models.
- Experience with drug screening or pharmacological studies.
- Experience with gene perturbation approaches such as siRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 or related methods.
- Experience performing cell viability and/or apoptosis assays and western blotting.
- Ability to analyze data, solve problems and communicate research findings.
- Proven ability to write up and present scientific results.
- Excellent IT skills in major office applications.
- High level of analytical and problem‑solving capacity, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to continued professional development and good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity.
- Flexibility, self‑motivation and the ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities to meet deadlines.
Attributes & Behaviour
- Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi‑skilled research team.
- Attention to detail and the ability to work at high levels of accuracy.
- Ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.
- Ability to negotiate and prioritise responsibilities and meet deadlines.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity.
Project‑Specific Accountabilities
- Maintain neuroendocrine-like cancer cell line models.
- Carry out pharmacological drug‑screening studies targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
- Conduct mechanistic apoptosis studies and gene perturbation experiments.
- Analyse datasets to interpret treatment response, resistance mechanisms and biomarker associations.
- Contribute to translational outputs such as presentations, manuscripts, grant proposals and organoid model work.
Contract & Compensation
This is a fixed‑term post for 12 months, with a potential for extension subject to funding. Flexible working arrangements may be considered where compatible with project delivery.
Salary: Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum; Research Associate: £36,636 per annum.
EEO & Equality
Newcastle University is a global university that values diversity and is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment, supporting colleagues from all sectors of society, and ensuring fair and equal treatment for all applicants and staff. We hold a Gold Athena Swan award for gender equality, a Race Equality Charter Bronze award, and are a Disability Confident employer.
Contact
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dan.Westaby@newcastle.ac.uk.
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