Job Description and Person Specification (HR5)
Post Number:
Job Description
School/Department:
Faculty of Medicine / Human Development & Health ( Bone and Joint Research
Group)
Post Title:
Research Fellow
Please enter Level
under appropriate
Career Pathway
ERE
TAE
MSA
CAO
Clinical
4
Academic Posts
ERE Category
R.Nurse
Academic
(mixed)
Research
only
Non-Academic Posts
Teaching
only
Enterprise
Education Development
X
Posts Responsible to (and Level):
Professor of Musculoskeletal Science
Posts Responsible for (and Level):
Some supervision of junior research staff
Job Purpose:
Development of skeletal regeneration strategies through application of skeletal stem cells with select
scaffolds/materials and environment manipulation. This will involve in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo cell
biology/molecular modulation of skeletal stem cells with unique materials/bioreactors and environments.
Approach will utilize extensive molecular analysis as well as cell culture (ex vivo and organ and in vivo),
biochemistry, histochemistry, immunocytochemistry, image analysis, electron and confocal microscopy.
Key Accountabilities/Primary Responsibilities
% Time
Comprehensive application of molecular, cellular, organotypic and biochemical
techniques on the modulation of skeletal stem cell activity, phenotype and function
through scaffold and physical interactions (environment manipulation). Techniques to
be employed, but by no means prescriptive, will include a range of cell and molecular
techniques, microarray analysis, FACS and MACS, cell culture, biochemical assays,
immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Selection of human osteoprogenitors
and evaluation and molecular analysis following interaction on scaffolds and
environment manipulation will be involved. Self-motivated, enthusiastic and capable of
formulating, planning and carrying out a complex research programme and an ability to
follow own ideas of approach will be required.
Keep accurate records of all work undertaken and results generated. Present data and
write up the research undertaken. Work closely with research fellows in Acellular UKRMP
programme (multi-partner programme).
1
60
15
Keep abreast of current literature and incorporation of advances in the field into the
research project. Work without supervision (after appropriate instruction in techniques
not familiar to the fellow). Development of the fellow is an important part of the post
and the opportunity for student supervision as well as manuscript preparation,
presentation at conferences will be expected and opportunity presented from the start
of this contract.
15
Instruct undergraduate and graduate research students in the above methods as
required. In addition, ensure that the students are aware of Health and Safety issues
and follow the required procedures.
5
To carry out risk assessments of all procedures (COSHH) and implement safe laboratory
working practices. Liaise with the Academic Unit Safety Officer and Area Safety Advisor
as appropriate.
5
Internal & External Relationships: (nature & purpose of relationships)
Within University: IfLS Grouping, Chemistry and Engineering and Biological Imaging Unit (SGH).
Outside the University (Collaborators): UKRMP members (Project Grant Partners) as appropriate
Special Requirements:
To be available to participate in fieldwork as required by the specified research project.
To attend national and international conferences for the purpose of disseminating research results.
2
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications, Knowledge and
Experience:
PhD or equivalent professional qualification
and experience in stem cell biology

PhD or equivalent professional qualification
and experience in molecular and bone

Detailed understanding and knowledge of
transfection, hES/iPSC, cartilage biology and
bone biology

Knowledge of molecular signalling in bone
and stem cell culture and differentiation

Significant molecular expertise

Significant tissue engineering experience

Strong Molecular/cellular, ex vivo and in
vivo tissue regenerative expertise

Planning and Organising:

Able to organise own research activities to
deadline and quality standards
Problem Solving and Initiative:
Able to develop understanding of complex
problems and apply in-depth knowledge to
address them

Able to develop original techniques/methods

Management and Teamwork:
Able to supervise work of junior research
staff, delegating effectively


Able to contribute to Academic Unit
management and administrative processes
Work effectively in a team, understanding
the strengths and weaknesses of others to
help teamwork development

3
How to be
assessed
Communicating and Influencing:

Able to work and communicate effectively
with team members
Communicate new and complex information
effectively, both verbally and in writing,
engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the
target audience

Able to present research results at group
meetings and conferences

Able to write up research results for
publication in leading peer-viewed journals

Work proactively with colleagues in other
work areas/institutions, contributing
specialist knowledge to achieve outcomes

Other Skills and Behaviours:
Understanding of relevant Health & Safety
issues

Positive attitude to colleagues and students

Special Requirements:

Able to attend national and international
conferences to present research results
4
Job Hazard Analysis Form - Appendix to Job and Person Specification
Please tick one of the following statements:
This post is an office-based job with routine office hazards e.g. use of VDU (if ticked, no
further information needs to be supplied)
X
This post has some hazards other than routine office e.g. more than use of VDU
Please tick all those that apply, and put N/A if not applicable
Environmental Exposures
O*
Outside work
NA
Extremes of temperature (eg fridge/ furnace)
NA
Potential for exposure to body fluids
##
NA
Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
##
NA
Exposure to hazardous substances (eg solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify ………………………………………………………….
##
F
C
YES
Frequent hand washing
YES
Ionising radiation.
NA
Equipment/Tools/Machines used
Food Handling
##
NA
Driving university vehicles(e.g. car/van/LGV/PCV)
##
NA
Use of latex gloves (note: prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
##
Vibrating tools ( e.g. strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
##
YES
NA
Physical Abilities
Load manual handling.
NA
Repetitive Crouching/Kneeling/Stooping
NA
Repetitive Pulling/Pushing
NA
Repetitive Lifting
NA
Standing for prolonged periods
YES
Repetitive Climbing i.e. steps, stools, ladders
YES
Fine motor grips (e.g. pipetting)
YES
Gross motor grips
YES
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
NA
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
NA
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
NA
Psychosocial Issues
Face to face contact with public
YES
Lone working
YES
Shift work/night work/on call duties
##
NA
O – Occasionally (up to 1/3 of time); F – Frequently (up to 2/3 of time); C – Constantly (more than
2/3 of time) ## denotes to HR the need for a full PEHQ to be sent to all applicants for this position.
5
FOR SCHOOL/SERVICE USE ONLY
Which post does this job report to
Is this post a Line Manager?
If yes, which posts directly report into it?
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
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ResourceLink Post Number
RJ07002589
Yes
ResourceLink Post Number
6
No
x