Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences
Section of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience
Research Fellow
50% of full time basis
This post is fixed term for 18 months and is available from 1st September 2015
Applications are invited for a Research Fellow post funded by the Rosetree's Trust
based in the Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences on the St James’s University
Hospital site. The post is a joint project between Professor Colin Johnson and Dr Sandra Bell
studying the cell biology and genetics of cilia in ovarian cancer. Cilia are finger-like projections on
the cell surface that act as ‘antennae’ to detect changes during development or growth. When cilia
are defective, inherited developmental disorders called ‘ciliopathies’ can result. However, since
cilia are required for cell growth control, we hypothesise that cilia are involved in ovarian cancer
development.
The project will involve cell culture, including collection and culture of primary ovarian samples,
immunohistochemistry and advanced microscopy techniques, preparation of DNA and libraries for
whole exome sequencing. You will also be involved in bioinformatics analysis of data sets and
characterization of both human and mouse STIC samples, functional cilia signalling assays and
drug assays.
Candidates must have a PhD in cell/molecular biology or a relevant biomedical subject (or have a
date set for examination) and a background in human diseases or cancer biology. You will also
hold a BSc degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences or another related subject and will have
previous experience of managing a piece of research or project (demonstrating effective
organisation and problem solving skills). You will have effective communication and interpersonal
skills including the ability to negotiate and influence others.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a
range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies). The University is a
charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine
gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school
that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for
flexible working arrangements from our employees.
University Grade 7 (£31,342 to £37,394 p.a pro rata) depending upon qualifications and
experience
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Dr Sandra M. Bell, tel +44(0) 113 343
8421, email: medsmb@leeds.ac.uk or Prof. Colin A. Johnson, email: c.johnson@leeds.ac.uk, tel
+44 (0)113 343 8443
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Colette Cornelly,
email c.l.cornelly@leeds.ac.uk tel +44 (0)113 206 9229 or Sharon Collins, email
s.collins@leeds.ac.uk or tel +44 (0) 113 206 6949.
Job Ref:
MHBCS1017
Closing Date:
10 September 2015
Job Description
Job Summary
Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in women as it is usually detected after the
initial cancer has spread and consequently survival rates are low. Recent advances in
understanding the causes of ovarian cancer suggest that many high-grade cancers originate
from the epithelium of the Fallopian tube, and that “serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma” (STIC)
is the early-stage precursor of these cancers.
This project will focuses on the potential disease-causing role of the primary cilium in ovarian
cancer. Our preliminary data shows that cellular growth control is lost through disruption or loss
of “primary cilia” and correlates with tumour severity and invasiveness. We will focus on the
molecular and genetic characterization of STIC and ovarian cancer tumour tissue. We will use
high-throughput methods to collect data-sets from tissue microarrays, next generation
sequencing to characterize the genetic status of tumour genomes, and high-content imaging for
the molecular characterization of primary tumour cells. We then plan to test drugs that promote
cilia formation as potential cancer chemotherapy drugs. This work should lead to novel and
timely insights into the causes of these cancers, improve early detection of STIC, and suggest
possible therapeutic approaches to reduce overall mortality from ovarian cancer.
The project will involve cell culture, including collection and culture of primary ovarian samples,
immunohistochemistry and advanced microscopy techniques, preparation of DNA and libraries for
whole exome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis of data sets and characterization of both human
and mouse STIC samples, functional cilia signalling assays and drug assays.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
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Cell culture of ovarian cancer cell lines and primary samples.
Molecular and cell biology techniques to be used will include:
o DNA/RNA extraction
o Preparation of libraries for whole exome sequencing
o PCR for direct Sanger sequencing
o Immunohistochemistry
o Confocal microscopy
o Cytotoxic drug assays
o Bioinformatic analyses of data-sets
Analysing next generation sequencing data to identify pathogenic mutations in ciliopathy
associated genes in ovarian cancer samples.
Under the guidance of the principal investigators plan and manage your own research
activity (in collaboration with others as appropriate), assisting in designing specific
strategies towards achieving the research goals of the project and managing individual
components of the study.
Ensuring good day-to-day progress of the projects and contributing to strategic
development.
Designing experimental procedures and technical details.
Generating research output (e.g. publications/presentations) and analysing and interpreting
the results.
Communicating and/or presenting research results within the Group and Section.
Developing independent and original ideas, as appropriate.
Continually evaluating your working practices and protocols and adapting/evolving these
where necessary.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date laboratory and other records.
Treating data with confidentiality and in accordance with current policies.
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Building internal contacts and participating in internal networks for the exchange of
information and for future collaboration.
Working collaboratively with other staff/students within the Group, OPNE and other
research groups as appropriate, including external collaborators.
Encouraging and promoting good working practices within the team and within the Institute.
Providing guidance, support, training and assistance in relevant techniques to staff and
students within the Group and Section.
Publishing outcomes from the project in appropriate high quality journals and presenting at
national or international conferences as required.
Working with the Principle Investigators to identify future opportunities for research and
preparing proposals and funding applications.
Continually update their knowledge of the scientific literature, applying this knowledge to
their own research and to that of their colleagues.
Present their research findings at local, scientific meetings.
Contribute to the supervision, training and assessment of students and to assist in the
management and training of staff in technical support positions.
Contribute to the general upkeep of the laboratory and to participate in the day-to-day
tasks that help to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
Being aware of the risks in the laboratory environment and working in accordance with the
GM and COSSH assessments.
Contributing to GM, RA and COSSH assessments when appropriate.
Please note, you may be required to work flexibly outside of normal working hours according to the
needs of the project.
The post holder will be expected to actively support and adhere to the Faculty’s commitment to
Equality and Diversity in line with the requirements of the Faculty Diversity Action Plan.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake other
duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Relationships
The post holder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Principal Investigators Dr Sandra
M. Bell and Prof. Colin A. Johnson, through whom s/he will be accountable to the Head of Section
(Prof. Chris Inglehearn), the Director of the Institute and to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine &
Health. S/he will be expected to interact with other members of the Section of Ophthalmology and
Neurosciences, comprising post-doctoral research fellows, PhD students and research support
staff, and to present data at Section and Institute meetings.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which work as
an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More
information about the university’s strategy and values is available at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/
Person Specification
Essential
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A PhD in cell/molecular biology or a relevant biomedical subject (or pending with a date
set for examination).
A BSc degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences, or related subject.
A proven track record in human disease and/or cancer biology.
Extensive research experience in cell culture.
Extensive practical experience in immunofluorescence microscopy.
Previous practical experience of immunohistochemistry.
Practical experience of working in animal model systems.
Experience of cytotoxic drug assays.
A demonstrable ability to analyse and interpret research results.
Previous experience of managing a piece of research or project (demonstrating effective
organisation and problem solving skills)
A demonstrable ability to work unsupervised, with the direction from the Principal
Investigator and as part of the wider research team.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and
influence others.
A developing publication record in high impact peer reviewed journals.
A demonstrable understanding of health and safety issues within the laboratory setting.
A demonstrable understanding of translational research.
Strong IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and image processing applications.
A willingness to work flexibly, when necessary, to fulfil the needs of the research project.
Desirable
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Experience of direct sequencing, including whole exome sequencing, preparative and
analysis methodologies.
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Experience of culturing primary cells.
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Demonstrable ability to work closely with other research staff (such as technicians) and,
where necessary, to provide suitable training and support to these staff.
Further Information
Faculty Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £50m, the Faculty of
Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one of the largest
medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged world leader in cancer,
cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health services research. Treatments
developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people around the world living with conditions
such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for research and
education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities, locally and globally,
through excellent scientific research and the translation of that research into healthcare practice,
and through the education of future scientific and clinical leaders who will advocate and practise an
evidence-based approach. Our major strategic aims are to:
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Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied health
research that makes a significant difference to health.
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Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows
whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence and who will
form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic activities.
Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and teaching
within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and supports the
university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality
research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of
postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School works
closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure this
relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) Director: Professor
Mark Kearney
LICAMM integrates basic and clinical scientists with a common goal of understanding the
mechanisms underpinning common chronic diseases of human health and developing new
approaches to treating patients at an individual and population level. At the heart of LICAMM’s
philosophy is a vibrant multidisciplinary approach to science that provides a platform to deliver
internationally competitive translational research and teaching in disorders including cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases) our key aim is to improve the lives of
our patients and the experience of our students.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Director: Professor Tim Ensor
LIHS delivers problem-driven research that supports decisions about the content or delivery of
healthcare. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates expertise in applied health research
designs, health implementation sciences, social sciences, health economics, informatics and
statistics, as well as skills in communicating with basic scientists, policy makers, healthcare
providers, public and patients. We conduct research at the individual, population and
organisational level.
Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) Director: Professor Trudie Roberts
LIME provides the administrative support, co-ordination and leadership for the School of
Medicine’s undergraduate medical degree, including admissions, curriculum development,
assessment, student support and clinical placement liaison. It provides the technology-enhanced
learning and innovation support for the School of Medicine. LIME also has a very active
scholarship programme of research and innovation in medical education and uses its expertise to
influence medical education policy and practice nationally and internationally. To achieve this it
works with a range of stakeholders including the academic community, the profession, the public,
regulators and policy makers.
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Director: Professor Tim Bishop
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology addresses both laboratory based and clinical
research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the largest
cancer Institute’s in the country and has major financial support from the cancer charities. The
laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with laboratory activities
being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent buildings while the clinical work
is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute consists of seven Sections: Epidemiology &
Biostatistics; Experimental Haematology; Experimental Oncology; Oncology & Clinical Research
(Clinical); Oncology & Clinical Research (Laboratory); Patient Centred Outcome Research; and
Pathology & Tumour Biology.
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (LIBACS) Director: Professor Philip
Hopkins
LIBACS undertakes clinically-driven research from the level of the gene through cellular, tissue and
organ to clinical trials. Our vision is to develop a sustainable centre of excellence for the
advancement of patient care by translating research results into clinical practise and contributing to
medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our research interests are
encapsulated in 6 clinical themes (Gastrointestinal inflammation & tumorigenesis, Genetic
disorders, Infection & immunity, Neuroscience, Perinatal medicine, Perioperative outcomes &
technologies) underpinned by 4 generic science technology strands (Animal models, Cell biology,
Gene regulations & Genomics). We are based predominantly at the St James’s University Hospital
site.
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), Director: Professor
Paul Emery
LIRMM is dedicated to improving diagnosis, therapy, intervention and outcome across the
spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal medicine. It boasts a dynamic portfolio of research and
education, delivering wide-ranging clinical, translational and basic research across five Sections:
Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine, Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, Clinical Biomechanics
and Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine and Orthopaedics. A multi-disciplinary approach is
the core of our activities, with significant interdisciplinary links between Experimental and Clinical
research. LIRMM’s clinical activities are focussed at Chapel Allerton Hospital, which is also base
for our NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU) and our basic sciences at St
James’s University Hospital.
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research (LICTR) Director: Professor Julia Brown
LICTR delivers innovative design, delivery and knowledge transfer in clinical trials research. Our
multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with basic scientists, clinicians, policy makers,
healthcare providers, public and patients and University colleagues, delivers internationally
competitive research and teaching that makes a significant contribution to the evidence base for
healthcare delivery. The Institutes research is conducted through the Clinical Trials Research Unit
where we have expertise in design and conduct of complex clinical trials incorporating novel
designs to evaluate CTIMPs, complex interventions, diagnostics, medical devices and surgery.
St James’s University Hospital Campus Infrastructure and Facilities (SCIF) Director:
Professor Pam Jones
This group covers activities that cover School of Medicine functions for Institutes at St James’s
University Hospital that span more than one institute including biomedical research facilities,
student education, IT, health and safety, estates, seminars, PGR studentships and business
support functions. These functions help support the 5 adjacent buildings on the site.
There are 3 Institutes with staff and students at St James’s: LICAP (Leeds Institute of Cancer
studies and Pathology), LIBACS (Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences), LIRMM
(Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine). These three institutes are dedicated
to basic, translational, clinical and health research integrated with student education.
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including
information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages
accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies
University Teaching and Research Award
The Senate of the University has agreed that all newly appointed staff with a contract of 0.5 FTE
and above who have a teaching/ research role and are deemed new to teaching or research in
Higher Education should be required to complete successfully all of the requirements of the
University of Leeds Teaching and Research or an appropriate alternative. Whether or not this
applies to you, will be decided as part of the appointment procedure at interview.
Further details of the ULTRA are available at http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/sddu-ultra.html
Staff with contracts of less than 0.5 FTE may take the ULTRA provided that they have a broad
enough range of teaching, research and assessment to complete the requirements of the
Programme: this will be decided in conjunction with the School and the course providers.
Disclosure and Barring Service checks
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position. However,
applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’ section of
the application form and send details to the Recruitment Officer
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building in the St James’s University site.
Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department
direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email
disclosure@leeds.ac.uk or tel + 44 (0) 113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by
the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is
available in the applicant guidance.