PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
PARTICULARS OF APPOINTMENT
Ref:
PI/12/18
Job Title:
Scientific Officer – Novel Oncology Biomarkers
1.
The Institute invites applications for the above post.
2.
Starting salary £ £15,600 per annum (dependent on experience).
3.
Informal enquiries can be made to: Dr Ged Brady, email:
gbrady@picr.man.ac.uk or Professor Caroline Dive, email:
cdive@picr.man.ac.uk
4.
Applications should be returned by 3rd May 2012 to the Human Resources
Department, either via email (jobs@picr.man.ac.uk) or to the postal
address below:
Julie Jarratt
Recruitment Coordinator
HR Department
Paterson Institute for Cancer Research
The University of Manchester
Wilmslow Road
Manchester M20 4BX
Tel:
Fax:
(00 44) 0161 446 3231
(00 44) 0161 918 7134
5.
To apply for this position applicants should complete an Application Form
and Equal Opportunities Form. Please do not forward your CV as this will
not be considered as part of your application.
6.
All applicants should complete an equal opportunities form with their
application.
7.
If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the closing date you
should assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been
successful. We would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank you
for your interest in the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, and we
hope that this will not deter you from applying for other positions in the
future.
8.
The Institute will endeavour to contact shortlisted candidates promptly;
however there may be occasions where a high volume of applications are
received therefore applicant’s patience is appreciated.
Page 1 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
COPY OF THE ADVERTISEMENT
The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek
to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.
Scientific Officer – Novel Oncology Biomarkers
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group



Reference Number: PI/12/18
Starting Salary from: £15,600 (dependent on experience)
2 year fixed term position
The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research is a leading cancer centre of
excellence which is an Institute of The University of Manchester. The Institute is
core funded by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research
organisation in the world.
Our aim is to gain a greater understanding of the fundamental basis of how
cancer occurs and apply that knowledge to develop new diagnostic tests,
potential treatments and better ways to predict outcomes. Our work spans the
whole spectrum of cancer research, from programmes investigating the molecular
and cellular basis of cancer, to those focussed on translational research and the
development of therapeutics.
An exciting opportunity is currently available for a motivated individual to join a
large, multidisciplinary, translational research team in their ongoing efforts
towards personalised medicine for cancer patients. The post holder will take part
in a pioneering project aimed at establishing a novel technology for evaluating
circulating tumour cell (CTC) based biomarkers which can assist in cancer drug
development and cancer patient treatment decision making.
The successful candidate will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), one
of which will be science, or equivalent experience. The ideal applicant will have a
keen interest in Cancer Biology and/or Biological Sciences and want to translate
their work for patient benefit.
Some familiarity with fluorescence microscopy
would confer a significant advantage.
The post is available from May 2012 for two years in the first instance.
For
informal
enquiries
please
contact:
Dr
Ged
Brady,
email:
gbrady@picr.man.ac.uk or Professor Caroline Dive, email: cdive@picr.man.ac.uk
To apply for this position please complete an equal opportunities form and
application form and submit to jobs@picr.man.ac.uk quoting the reference
number above. For applicants who are unable to download this information from
our website, please contact HR department on 0161 446 3231, email:
jobs@picr.man.ac.uk to have this information sent by post.
Deadline for applications is 3rd May 2012.
Page 2 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DETAILS
Job Title:
Scientific Officer 1 (SO1)
Division:
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology (CEP)
ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Accountable to:
1.
CEP Deputy Group Leader
JOB PURPOSE
Laboratory based support for a translational research project. The aim aimed at
characterising and validating novel blood born biomarker approaches based on
the identification of circulating tumour cells (CTCs).
JOB SUMMARY
The Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group (CEP) is involved in preclinical and early clinical development of new anti-cancer therapies and is closely
linked with the clinical research facilities of the Early Trials Unit at The Christie.
We are particularly interested in measuring circulating tumour cells (CTCs) which
we have shown to be biomarkers of cancer patient outcome.
This post will be to evaluate a novel CTC enrichment approach and represents an
exciting opportunity to develop novel biomarkers which can impact positively on
cancer treatment.
The post holder will work towards establishing methods compliant with Good
Clinical Practice for laboratories (GCP-L) guidelines to enable eventual
incorporation into clinical decision making. With supervision, the post holder will
assist in setting up the necessary infrastructure and method development
required for the execution and delivery of biomarker information derived from
clinical samples.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will, with sufficient in-house training as required:
1. Familiarise themselves with the University’s Equality and Diversity policies
and to actively support these wherever possible.
2. Acquire familiarity with and become expert in use of the novel CTC
approach resulting in establishing suitable standard operating protocols
(SOPs).
Page 3 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
3. Acquire expertise in use of the novel approach to identify CTCs from
clinical samples (primarily blood) and compare to established CTC
technologies.
4. Be responsible for set and implantation of fluorescence analysis of CTCs.
5. To provide updates at work progress meetings as required.
6. Co-ordinate activities and clinical sample access with existing CTC team.
7. If required, implement biomarker assays to GCP-L standard and by
working with the CEP Quality Assurance team. This may also involve close
interactions with the Clinical Trials Unit and clinical teams.
8. Undertake laboratory housekeeping duties as required.
Duties Involved:
All activities will be carried out under the supervision of trained CEP staff. The
post holder will, after discussion and guidance, plan their own work, have
their plans checked and approved and conduct the experiments accordingly in
order to achieve short term objectives. He/she will be expected to interact
regularly with their line manager and report progress on a regular basis. The
post holder will be expected to become competent and knowledgeable in all
aspects of their project and develop a good understanding of the scientific
theory behind the procedures and objectives involved. He/she will also be
expected to attend regular group meetings and where appropriate present
their results/progress to the group.
The techniques/methodologies to be used will include and require the
post holder:
1. To become proficient in CTC isolation techniques.
2. To measure CTC levels in clinical samples.
3. To become proficient in immune fluorescence analysis.
4. To become proficient in molecular analysis of DNA and RNA from CTCs.
5. To collect, log in and process clinical samples derived from ongoing clinical
studies and other ethically approved projects within CEP.
6. When necessary to carry out, to GCP standards, specified validated assays
on clinical samples strictly adhering to standard operating procedures.
7. To analyse, report and store data acquired.
8. To actively participate in general laboratory duties within the group.
Page 4 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE





Work efficiently, cost-effectively and in a flexible manner
To meet objectives within pre-determined timescales
Effective communications to be maintained with supervisory staff
Strict adherence to protocols, Institute policies and Health & Safety
instructions
The post holder will be required to receive a Hepatitis B vaccination if not
already immunised.
Page 5 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The person specification should set out the qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, personal attributes, interests, other
requirements which the post holder requires to perform the job to a satisfactory level.
Job Title:
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
SKILLS
KNOWLEGDE
Scientific Officer 1
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
The qualities without which a post holder
could not be appointed
Extra qualities which can be used to
choose between candidates who meet
all the essential criteria

Minimum 5 GCSEs (or
equivalent) - science
required (or equivalent
experience).
 Relevant experience in
carrying out routine scientific
procedures.
 Attention to detail with
experimental procedures
 Accurate comprehensive
record-keeping
 Computer literate, familiarity
with MS office package
 Effective communication skills,
written and verbal
 Effective organisational skills
and ability to multi-task
 Ability to be flexible
 Ability to carry out routine
tasks and procedures.
 Understanding in the field of
biological
and/or
cancer
sciences.
METHOD OF
ASSESSMENT
 BSc in Biological Sciences or
related subject (or
equivalent experience)
Documentation
and application
 Experience of working in
research laboratory setting.
 Some experience of working
in a clinical/translational
laboratory.
 Experience of knowledge of
the principles of good clinical
practice (GCP) to Standard
Operating Procedures
 Experience in cancer
research and/or
pharmacology
 Ability to “trouble shoot”
laboratory based methods
 Relevant experimental/
technical skills
 Experience with fluorescence
microscopy
 Problem solving capabilities
 Experience of working with
clinical academics and with
clinical sample collection and
processing.
 Experience in molecular
biology techniques including
isolating and working with
RNA and or DNA
 Knowledge of working in a
GCLP laboratory.
 Knowledge
of
DNA
mutations.
 Knowledge
of
techniques
relevant to the analysis of
nucleic acids.
 Understanding of Molecular
biology or biotechnology.
 Knowledge in the field of
biological
and/or
cancer
sciences.
Interview,
application and
references
Interview,
application and
references
Interview,
application and
references
Page 6 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
OTHER
(Please Specify)
 Motivated and able to work to
tight deadlines
 Ability to work well within a
team framework
 To
show
commitment
to
equality and fairness and
integrity in dealing with others
Interview,
application and
references
Page 7 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
THE CITY OF MANCHESTER AND THE REGION
Manchester is one of the great European cities and the Paterson Institute for
Cancer Research is located a short distance from the city centre and is serviced
by regular public transport to the city centre. The city’s architecture represents
one of the high points of Victorian achievement. The modern city is a major
centre of banking, commerce and manufacturing. It has a highly cosmopolitan
atmosphere and its cultural life is internationally renowned.
There are three outstanding professional theatre companies, the halls of the Hallé
and BBC Philharmonic orchestras, the Cornerhouse as well as other cinemas, and
Europe’s fastest-growing Chinatown. On the way into the city, there is perhaps
the best stretch of road in the entire country for Indian and Pakistani food, known
as the curry mile in Rusholme.
Amongst developments enriching the area’s cultural life have been: the opening
of the Lowry Centre and Media City at Salford Quays; the opening of the
Bridgewater Concert Hall; the refurbishment of the City Art Gallery; the opening
of Urbis in the centre of Manchester and of the Imperial War Museum North,
designed by Daniel Libeskind, in Trafford.
Trafford, specifically Old Trafford, is known internationally for sport: it is a venue
for Test cricket and the home of Manchester United FC. The Commonwealth
Games were held in Manchester in 2002 and were highly acclaimed. The
Commonwealth Stadium became the home of Manchester City FC in 2003.
Housing is varied, plentiful and the price ranges can start moderately priced and
are as varied as the requirements.
Schooling ranges from world-famous private schools to excellent sixth-form
colleges and comprehensives.
Manchester is well served by a major international airport, with direct scheduled
flights to many destinations in Europe as well as North America and Asia.
Manchester Piccadilly railway station has been refurbished and is served by intercity and other train services – with a direct link to Manchester Airport. The
expanding network of Metrolink tram services offers an alternative mode
of public transport from certain parts of the conurbation and is currently being
expanded to include connections near to the Institute. Some of the most beautiful
countryside in Europe is just short of an hour’s drive from the Institute in the
Peak District National Park, while the Lake District and Snowdonia are also within
easy reach.
Manchester offers extensive provision for research. Library facilities include the
John Rylands University Library (the major library in the North West and the third
largest in the country) and the Manchester Central Reference Library. Facilities for
quantitative analysis are provided by Manchester Computing and the Computer
Support Unit
Page 8 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
ADDITIONAL GENERAL RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PARTICULARS:
Shortlisted Candidates:
1.
We will reimburse reasonable travel expenses. You need to retain all your
receipts as you will need to submit these with your expense claim form.
This form will be given to you when you attend your interview.
2.
If candidates require accommodation the Institute can arrange this for
you. Please notify the Human Resources Department as soon as possible
so that this can be arranged on 0161 446 3231 or email:
jobs@picr.man.ac.uk Please note that reimbursement for accommodation
may not apply.
3.
Shortlisted candidates may be expected to complete a presentation as part
of the selection process. Information regarding the duration and title of
the presentation will be provided in the invitation to interview
correspondence. We supply both laptop and projector for presentations.
4.
All dates and times stated in correspondence from the Institute refer to
UK GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
5.
Candidates need to bring along their passport to interview, (a copy of
which will be taken for our records) and where applicable, your visa, when
you visit the Institute. If candidates have difficulty in producing their
passport, please contact the Human Resources Department prior to the
interview on 0161 446 3231 who will be able to advise you.
6.
Skype interview with presentation:
Instances may arise when it may not be possible for candidates to travel
to the Institute to attend the interview on the given date. In this
circumstance, a Skype interview may be used as the first stage of the
selection process. The criteria will be consistent with all other candidates.
If successful following the Skype interview, candidates will be invited to
visit the Institute at a later date. Further information will be provided at
that time. 24 hour prior to the interview we will require:



7.
A copy of the presentation emailed to jobs@picr.man.ac.uk
Skype name
A contact telephone number
Telephone conference with presentation:
As above, instances may arise when it may not be possible for candidates
to travel to the Institute to attend the interview on the given date. In this
circumstance, and if a Skype interview is not possible, then a telephone
conference interview will be arranged as the first stage of the selection
process. The criteria will be consistent with all other candidates. 24 hour
prior to the interview we will require:


A copy of the presentation emailed to jobs@picr.man.ac.uk
A contact telephone number
Page 9 of 10
PATERSON INSTITUTE
FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The University of Manchester
STANDARD CR-UK TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The following is a basic summary of the standard terms and conditions applicable
to the post you have applied for:

The post, Scientific Officer – Novel Oncology Biomarkers, is on a Cancer
Research UK salary. It’s a SO1 grade. Starting salary £15,600 (dependent
upon experience).

Your employment will be with The University of Manchester appointed
under The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research terms and conditions.

Salary is paid monthly.

There are 32 days holiday per year plus Bank Holidays for England.

Two year fixed term contract.

37 hour week

There is a probationary period attached to this post of 6 months. It’s
standard for many organisations now and consists of two 3-monthly
reviews with your line manager.

You are eligible to join the USS pension scheme.

Any offer made by the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research would
require the successful candidate to undergo a medical clearance. This is
arranged with Occupational Health department at the University of
Manchester prior to starting employment and consists of a basic medical.
This is to address and gain clearance for any potential hazards identified
for the role on offer.

Offer is subject to receipt of two satisfactory references and proof of your
highest qualification.

Offer is subject to documented evidence of your right to work in the UK
under the Home Office UK Border Agency Regulations.

There are a range of staff benefits. If you require further information at
this stage please contact HR department directly.
Page 10 of 10