Department of Haematology, Institute of Cancer & Genetics

Based at the Heath Park Campus in the Department of Haematology, applications for the above post are invited to provide technical support to a Programme Grant funded by Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. The aim of the Programme is to identify new therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukaemia and the work will involve the development of model systems in which candidate drugs can be tested.

You will join a large research group which received an “outstanding international profile” rating in the last research assessment exercise. With a BSc or equivalent in a biological science in addition to laboratory experience, you should possess excellent technical and organisational skills and the ability to work within a team. Candidates should be computer literate and be able to work on their own initiative. Experience of tissue culture, cell biology or molecular techniques would be an advantage, but not essential as full training will be provided.

Further information regarding the Institute & Department can be found at

http://medicine.cf.ac.uk/cancer-genetics/heamatology/

This post is fixed term until the 19th September 2013.

Salary: £19972 - £23811 per annum. Grade 4 (a maximum starting salary of £20559 applies to this post).

Closing date: Friday, 17 August 2012

Job Description

To provide technical support to a Programme Grant funded by Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

There will be two main functions of the role:
(i) to perform experiments involving a wide variety of techniques, as the repertoire of techniques is continually evolving, to match the needs of the scientific investigators, the candidate should be willing to develop new skills and adapt to the changing analytical demands. Training will be provided as necessary.

(ii) to be an active member of the team assisting in the delivery of other research and technical activity associated with our group. The post will involve demonstration of standard laboratory procedures to other members of the laboratory.

• To participate in and provide competent technical support within research projects.

This post will focus on the analysis of candidate therapeutic targets using both in vitro and in vivo assays. The work will involve using non-replicative viral vectors for gene transfer (under category 2 containment) and will be expected to carry out processing of haematopoietic tissue including human blood and bone marrow samples. (applicants are advised that all staff handling human tissue are required to be immunised against Hepatitis B).

To consult with and provide advice to academic staff and research students on the use and application of experiments where appropriate.

To support the maintenance and characterisation of murine transgenic lines

To assist in managing stocks of reagents and consumables.

To carry out training to consortium staff in relevant technologies following established guidelines.

To work as part of the team, interacting with laboratory members regarding the undertaking of analyses.

To participate in weekly laboratory meetings.

To participate in the construction and modification of equipment an apparatus.

To support reviews of technical processes and procedures and advise Line Manager on options for improvement.

To maintain a safe working environment and to adhere to established health and safety procedures.

Provisioning of laboratories with standard consumable items including supply of laboratory gases.

Decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of glassware. Preparation of sterilised plasticware. Preparation of solutions, media etc for general laboratory use.

Plan, prioritise and organise their own work or resources to achieve agreed objectives.

Maintain clear accurate laboratory records which will the property of Cardiff University and should be available for examination at any time.

You may be asked to perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. Attention to detail and accuracy in carrying out technical procedures including the ability to keep meticulous records.

2. IT skills with a proven ability to use a number of commercial software packages.

3. A good knowledge of good laboratory practice and the relevant Health and Safety requirements.

4. BSc in a relevant biological or chemical science.

5. Previous experience of working in a related environment.

6. Experience of planning small projects ensuring the effective use of resources.

7. Familiar with biological and molecular research methods.

8. Willingness to carry out in vivo technical procedures.

9. Willingness to undertake further training as required; for example, Home Office Personal Licence course.

10. Willingness to process haematopoietic tissue and to work with genetically modified organisms to category 2 level.

Desirable Criteria

11. Experience of primary cell/tissue culture.

12. Experience of managing laboratory consumables and reagents.

13. Basic understanding of haematological malignancy.

14. Experience of in vivo modelling/completion of Home Office Personal Licensee course.

Additional Information

Evidencing Criteria

It is School of Medicine's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.

Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 221BR.

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.
Cardiff University - 10 months ago