UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW
FACULTY OF MEDICINE, SECTION OF EXPERIMENTAL HAEMATOLOGY,
GLASGOW CENTRE FOR CANCER RESEARCH
SENIOR LECTURER/READER –TRANSLATIONAL HAEMOPOIESIS
£per annum
REF
We wish to develop a new research group focused on translational haemopoiesis and ideally relevant
to paediatric haematology. Initial funding is available for the group leader and a generous start-up
package commensurate with the expertise, seniority and international standing of the appointee. We
aim to recruit a motivated and ambitious team leader who is capable of establishing a new programme
of research that is internationally competitive and of winning programme funding. The research group
will be embedded within the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, the Translational Research
Centre and the Glasgow Centre for Cancer Research. Interested candidates should have a proven
research track record and a demonstrable ability to obtain grant support.
At this stage informal enquiries are actively encouraged to Professor Tessa Holyoake, tel: 0141 301
7881/0 or email: T.Holyoake@clinmed.gla.ac.uk.
For further information please visit www.gla.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies
UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
JOB DESCRIPTION
Ref No:
Job Title
Senior Lecturer – Translational Haemopoiesis
Department/
Division
Section of Experimental Haematology, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research
Centre (POG LRC) and Translational Research Centre (TRC), Glasgow Centre
for Cancer Research (GCCR)
Faculty/Division
of AIMS
Reporting To
Medicine
Prof T Holyoake
Job Purpose
To establish a new programme of research in translational haemopoiesis, ideally relevant to
paediatric haematology and to collaborate proactively with existing research groups in POG LRC and
TRC, with the aim of achieving programme funding. To undertake high-quality research in subject
area, to publish results in high impact journals, to undertake teaching and administration.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research (85%)
1. To develop an internationally recognised research programme, to maintain individual/joint
research projects in subject related area and to secure sustainable funding required for the
projects.
2. To establish productive collaborations within the GCCR, more widely within the University, with
existing clinical academics in paediatric haematology and internationally to strengthen and
promote translational research in haemopoiesis.
3. To contribute fully to developing and enhancing the research profile of the Section of
Experimental Haematology, TRC and GCCR, including establishing a track record of publications
of international quality in leading journals.
4. To attend and actively contribute/participate in national/international events/major research
seminars/conferences within subject related area by invitation or otherwise.
5. To take responsibility for the supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate
research students to ensure their effective development.
6. To promote the academic training of clinical research fellows with the longer term aim of
expanding the number of senior clinical academics who play an active role within GCCR and to
develop meaningful links with NHS colleagues, particularly in paediatric haematology.
7. To compete for new project and programme funding from major charities, research councils and
industry.
Teaching (5-10%)
8. To contribute to the teaching duties of the GCCR e.g. by participating as a PBL facilitator, by
developing an SSC, by delivering a FRS, by acting as student adviser.
Administration (5-10%)
9. To undertake section/division/faculty level administration as requested by the Head of Section.
10. To contribute to performance and development review processes as appropriate in accordance
with university policy.
University of Glasgow
Job Description
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
Good first degree and PhD in subject related area.
Multidisciplinary doctoral and postdoctoral training.
A comprehensive knowledge of haemopoiesis.
An established reputation for high quality research and contribution to the chosen field of research.
A track record of publication of research results in high impact journals.
Experience of supervision of others at honours and postgraduate level.
Desirable:
A reputation in, and insight into, an internationally competitive field of research.
Current or recent record of research supported by major funding bodies.
An interest in pursuing research of relevance to paediatric haematology.
Current or recent record of successful grant applications to charities or local funding bodies.
Skills
Essential:
Excellent communication skills both orally and written.
Excellent interpersonal skills and presentation skills.
Time, project, people and budget management skills.
Proven leadership and motivational skills in research and teaching.
Ability for independent thought to generate original hypotheses leading to grant winning.
Ability to work independently and creatively.
Ability to lead or contribute to team projects and to establish productive collaborations.
Ability to apply multidisciplinary knowledge to the chosen area of research.
Ability to bring strategic direction to decision making.
Commitment to teaching quality.
Desirable:
Experience as a peer reviewer for manuscripts and grants.
Experience
Essential:
Experience of working within a research team.
Experience in developing innovative research.
Experience of supervising graduate students and research assistants.
Experience in establishing collaborations with international experts in the chosen field.
Teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Previous attendance and participation in international meetings.
Experience in providing intellectual support to other senior personnel or groups.
Desirable:
Project management experience.
Experience in working with clinical colleagues/interacting with NHS.
Dimensions
Develop and maintain involvement in research plans and submission of grant applications/proposals
on an on-going basis throughout year.
Principal investigator or co-investigator for research grant(s) as appropriate.
Individual or co-supervision of postgraduate research student(s).
Production of publications as appropriate to subject specialism within appropriate agreed
timescales/period.
Job Features
Planning and Organising


Monthly/annually – grant, abstract and manuscript submissions.
Effective organisational skills to effectively manage time and prioritise as appropriate
research, teaching and administrative duties.
 Reactive - daily queries from sectional staff/students.
 Weekly/monthly – experimental/laboratory work.
 Plan and organise administrative duties on an on-going basis.
Decision Making


Prioritise own work.
Decisions on choice of journal(s) for publication or other outlets of research and conferences
to attend.
 Research direction, experimental design, grant submission, journal choice, manuscript
submission, course content and committee advice.
 Decisions with respect to external involvement as referee in research applications, papers
etc.
 Experimental design.
Internal/External Relationships
Internal
 Head of Section, Head of TRC, Head of GCCR and research group leaders in POG LRC,
TRC and GCCR for exchanging information, research strategy, learning and teaching
strategy.
 Clinical academics and NHS staff in paediatric haematology.
 Staff/Research students to advise and motivate.
 Academic support services for appropriate advice and for exchanging information.
 Student support services, to exchange information, refer/support students.
External
 Maintain links with key research players, nationally and internationally, in the development of
the subject specialism through range of appropriate academic channels including professional
bodies.
 Grant funding bodies (income generation).
 Journals (publishing).
 Conference organisers.
 NHS colleagues/departments.
Problem Solving




Scientific research including repetitive problem solving interspersed with flashes of inspiration.
Experimental design/research direction and grant winning.
Assist postgraduate students with problems relating to research.
How to capitalise on existing research potential in paediatric haematology in West of
Scotland.
Other
Additional Section/Faculty Information –
This post
This is a new post representing the forward research strategy within GCCR and intended to
strengthen research leadership within the Section of Experimental Haematology and located in the
POG LRC with joint access to facilities in TRC and GCCR. The establishment of GCCR in 2008 has
resulted in the integration of all research groups involved in cancer under a single management
umbrella and the successful appointee is expected to establish close collaborations with group
leaders in POG LRC, TRC and GCCR and within the paediatric haematology clinical and research
community in West of Scotland. It is envisaged that this post will be attractive to a scientist who
already has a track record and has definite potential to become an independent group leader of
international standing. The area of expertise should be complementary with existing research groups
in Experimental Haematology and ideally relevant to paediatric haematology. The post holder will
have an allocation of office and lab space within the purpose built POG LRC on the Gartnavel
campus, but in addition will have access to facilities at the TRC and GCCR on the Garscube campus.
These facilities will facilitate interactions with existing CR-UK funded teams. The successful appointee
will be allocated a generous start-up package in line with their standing in the research field.
Research Strategy in Cancer Studies
The Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre is a key element of our future research strategy in
Glasgow. It brings together six clinical and non-clinical research groups and 30-40 research scientists.
The research portfolio of the centre has three linked components: basic research, pre-clinical
research and clinical trials. The more fundamental research aspects of this grouping are underpinned
and strengthened by collaborators working in GCCR. Paediatric haematology in Glasgow is strong
and supported by excellent clinical research focused on minimal residual disease detection in the
setting of large clinical trials. Research funding is provided by Children with Leukaemia and
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, amongst others. In the last 12 months clinical academic
paediatric haematology has been strengthened by two new appointments – an NHS consultant post in
adolescent haemato-oncology and a University clinical senior lectureship, initially supported by a
Scottish Executive senior clinical research fellowship. The aim of this post is to develop a new
research group that can collaborate with the strong clinical academics in paediatric haematology to
capitalise on existing strengths in this field.
A number of key developments over the past five years have resulted in the amalgamation of Cancer
Studies at University of Glasgow into a strong, interactive and collaborative unit covering a
comprehensive range of cancer research from outstanding basic science to world-class clinical trials.
This has been achieved through building on the excellence already in place, recruitment of leaders
with a strong vision for the development of cancer research in the West of Scotland, considerable
capital investment and the establishment of a true spirit of partnership and cooperation between the
principal stakeholders. Through a coordinated programme of investment and partnership involving the
University, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, CR-UK, Children with Leukaemia, Leukaemia &
Lymphoma Research and the Scottish Government, the environment for cancer research in Glasgow
has been radically changed by establishing the GCCR. This marks a critical milestone in the
development of Glasgow as a major international centre for both cancer research and treatment, and
has involved significant capital investment in new buildings and facilities and a major recruitment
programme of internationally recognised researchers.
Future university investments and recruitments are planned to enhance translational research. In
parallel we are working with (i) CR-UK on a major long term investment in drug discovery (ii) Scottish
Enterprise to make the West of Scotland and its population base a focus for pharmaceutical and
biotech investment in cancer and (iii) the NHS to increase our clinical trial activity through Glasgow
Biomedicine (a partnership between the University and the NHS in Glasgow) and our new Cancer
Trials Centre.
The GCCR is located on the Garscube and Gartnavel campuses and has recently completed the first
phase of an ambitious building project to provide cutting edge research facilities to over 400 basic and
clinical cancer researchers. The newly completed Beatson Institute building, funded by CR-UK and
University of Glasgow with contributions from the Wolfson and Robertson Trusts, marks the beginning
of an expansion of the basic research component of GCCR – underwritten by expanding core support
from CR-UK. In a second phase, the University is renovating the laboratory space that previously
housed the Beatson Institute staff to allow the relocation of University cancer researchers to the same
site. In addition, it is committed to build a new Cancer Translational Research Centre. Further
infrastructure expansion is planned for an expansion of biological services and the provision of in vivo
imaging facilities on the site. In parallel, the Scottish Government, which has identified cancer as a
national priority for investment, has completed a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre, BWOSCC.
Integrated into this development are an impressive CR-UK supported Clinical Trials Centre and the
Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre.
Taken together, GCCR and BWOSCC linkages provide us with outstanding infrastructure to turn
basic science ideas into translational projects and then perform the large-scale clinical studies
necessary to prove their worth.
Organisation Chart
Director of POG LRC and Head of Section of
Experimental Haematology
Prof Tessa Holyoake
Normal and
Leukaemic Stem Cells
Tessa Holyoake
Normal and Malignant
Haemopoiesis
Kamil Kranc
Molecular
Lymphopoiesis Alison
Michie
Cancer Biology
Helen Wheadon
Stem Cell Fate
Myeloid Leukaemias
Mhairi Copland
Translational
Haemopoiesis
This post
Salary will be on the Research and Teaching Grade, level 8-10, £? - £? per annum.
The successful applicant (if aged under 60) will be eligible to join the Universities’ Superannuation
Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who
is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.
All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research,
consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University’s relevant
processes (e.g. contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court’s policies.
Method of Application
A formal closing date has not been applied. At this stage informal enquiries to Section of Experimental
Haematology, 0141 301 7880, tlh1g@clinmed.gla.ac.uk. Closing date: TBC
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