Position Details

Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027  

Closing date: 14th May 2024 

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by investigating genesis of fusion genes in paediatric cancer using NPM-ALK as an exemplar.   

Role summary

A University of Birmingham funded research fellow position is available to work in the lab of Professor Jon Frampton in collaboration with Professor Amos Burke in the Institute for Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham and with Professor Suzanne Turner (University of Cambridge). 

Fusion genes and proteins are an important feature of childhood cancer but their genesis and function are poorly understood. Extending the work of the Turner lab in Cambridge, in long-standing collaboration with Amos Burke, this work will generate new understanding of fusion genes using NPM-ALK as a paradigm that has been extensively studied in the Turner lab. The Frampton lab has extensive experience and expertise in stem cell biology. 

The finding of a variety of pre-malignant fusion genes in cord blood or in cytokine-stimulated CD34+ cells remains unexplained and no mechanism for their generation has been elaborated. Understanding of the processes involved in the generation of fusion genes will open potential avenues for new therapeutic approaches in childhood cancer. 

All applicants should be proficient with basic tissue culture and molecular biology techniques and flow cytometry. Prior experience with metabolic analysis approaches is desirable but not required. Bioinformatics experience would be advantageous. Applicants should be able to demonstrate prior research success; for example, through publications/pre-prints, presentations at conferences and relevant academic prizes/travel awards.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a PhD (or one near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Professor Amos Burke G.A.A.Burke@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.