Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Section of Oncology & Clinical Research
Research Fellow
Based at St James’s University Hospital
A post is available within the Clinical and Biomedical Proteomics Group at Leeds Institute of
Cancer and Pathology with a focus on translational studies in renal cancer
The successful candidate will develop a series of focussed pilot studies examining the
functional consequences and clinical significance of the emerging findings from the
international CAGEKID study (www.cng.fr/cagekid). The data includes extensive genomic,
methylation and transcriptomic data from a large numbers of cases of renal cancer. The
work will include the functional and proteomic characterisation of relevant cell line and
tissue-based systems to further understand the underlying pathogenesis and clinical
behaviour of renal cancer and provide information of relevance to novel biomarkers or
therapeutic targets. It is envisaged that the postholder will use the data generated to form
the basis for project grant applications to extend the research.
Applicants should hold a PhD and have previous experience setting up and delivering a
research project effectively and on time. Applicant will also have relevant research
experience in vitro cell culture and relevant functional manipulation and analysis techniques
including at least several of transfection, PCR, in vitro tumorigenesis assays, proliferation
assays, siRNA knockdown.
The post is available initially for a fixed term period of 1 year although it is hoped further
funding will be available.
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 - £37,394 per annum) dependent upon qualifications and
relevant research experience
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Professor Roz Banks,
email: R.Banks@leeds.ac.uk, telephone: 0113 206 4927
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Nicola
Johnson,
email
n.johnson@leeds.ac.uk
or
Sharon
Collins,
email
s.collins@leeds.ac.uk
Job Ref: MHCAP1022
Closing Date: 14 July 2015
Background
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Director: Professor Tim Bishop
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/900/leeds_institute_of_cancer_and_patholog
y
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 eight Sections: Epidemiology & Biostatistics;
Experimental Haematology; Experimental Oncology; Oncology & Clinical Research
(Clinical); Oncology & Clinical Research (Laboratory); Patient Centred Outcome
Research; Pre-cancer Genomics; and Pathology & Tumour Biology.
Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre
http://www.cancerresearchukcentre.leeds.ac.uk
The Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre is a partnership between the University of
Leeds, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Cancer Research UK, which aims
to harness the scientific power of Leeds-based cancer researchers to deliver
improvements in cancer care at local, national and international level. It fosters
excellence in basic and translational research and offers services to all cancer
researchers in Leeds, irrespective of their funding source. Beyond research, the
Centre is also keen to build stronger relationships with the local community, with
patients undergoing cancer treatment, their carers, cancer survivors and the wider
public.
Section of Oncology and Clinical Research (Laboratory) – Professor Alan
Melcher
The Section’s research is centred on i) viruses as causative and therapeutic agents
in cancer, ii) interactions between tumours and the host immune system (with a
particular focus on the role of natural killer cells), iii) neuro-oncology, including
glioma stem cells, the tumour microenvironment in brain tumours, and radiation
biology and therapeutics, and iv) Identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets
in renal cancer and other diseases of the kidney, principally using proteomic
techniques. The Section focuses particularly on translational research, spanning
laboratory studies through to early clinical trials, to provide an iterative ‘bench to
bedside and back again’ platform to develop novel treatments for cancer patients.
Clinical and Biomedical Proteomics Group
The Clinical and Biomedical Proteomics Group (www.proteomics.leeds.ac.uk) within
the Section of Oncology and Clinical Research is led by Roz Banks, Peter Selby and
Naveen Vasudev. Focussing on renal cancer and other renal diseases such as acute
kidney injury and using predominantly proteomic-based approaches (complemented
with collaborative genomic and epigenetic collaborations), our principal aims are to
identify new disease biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets and also to increase our
understanding of the underlying pathogenesis by examining the functional
implications of our findings. We are also involved in a series of collaborative projects
in other diseases.
Main purpose of the post
This is a new post which will be focussed on developing projects emerging from the
highly successful CAGEKID programme, in particular understanding the consequences
and clinical relevance of the emerging genetic and epigenetic changes at the protein
level. The post is funded internally in the first instance with the intention to generate
further data to underpin research grant applications with a focus on translational
research in renal cancer. The Clinical and Biomedical Proteomics group has a strong
track record in the area of renal cancer and renal medicine
(www.proteomics.leeds.ac.uk) with a specific focus on biomarker and therapeutic target
discovery and translation and wishes to recruit somebody with a biological background
and cell biology expertise to complement existing skills within the group. There will be
opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in Cambridge (Prof Eamonn Maher)
and Quebec (Prof Mark Lathrop and Dr Yasser Riazalhosseini).
Main Duties & Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for design, planning and execution of experimental
work. The initial focus will be to develop (with input from Group Leads), 2-3
complementary proteogenomic sub-projects to explore the functional consequences
and clinical relevance of selected findings emerging from the CAGEKID Programme.
There will be flexibility depending on the successful candidate’s interests but he/she
will work with in vitro experimental systems (well characterized tissue banks,
established cell lines and genetically engineered cell lines – the latter provided through
collaboration with Prof Eamonn Maher) to explore the downstream impact of specific
genetic and epigenetic changes on protein expression and phenotype, associations
with clinical behavior, e.g. patient outcome, and their possible exploitation in terms of
novel therapeutic target generation. . He/she is expected to contribute to grant
applications, manuscripts and presentations.
The researcher will also:
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Be expected to develop independent and original research objectives and
proposals in the appropriate subject areas.
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To design and conduct individual and collaborative research using
techniques that they have either independently identified or devised
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To contribute to setting the direction of the project, making decisions
that might affect the research over the short to medium term

To communicate their research objectives and results both verbally (in
lab meetings, Departmental seminars and at conferences) and in writing
(in reports and by preparing and submitting papers for publication)

Proactively establish and participate in networks within and external to
the organisation, facilitating the sharing of information and the
establishment of collaborations for current and potential future research

Be proactive in assessing the progression of the project, suggesting
possible improvements in assessing the work being done
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As appropriate, assist in the preparation of research proposals and
funding applications in collaboration with others or in partnership with
the research grant holders
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To work effectively and positively as required as a team player on a broad
range of activities and related projects within the Institute to help achieve
the broader strategic development of the aims and objectives of the
Institute
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Continually update their knowledge of the scientific literature, applying
this knowledge to their own research

Contribute to the supervision, training and assessment of students, to
provide mentorship to less experienced colleagues. and to assist in the
management of staff in technical support positions

To take part in knowledge-transfer activities, where appropriate and
feasible
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To be committed to Good Laboratory Practice and continuous
improvement.
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To maintain a safe work environment, including ensuring compliance with
legislation and the undertaking of risk assessments.
Will be expected to support and adhere to the Faculty's commitment to Equality and
Diversity.
Relationships
The appointed research fellow will be responsible to the Group Leads (Professors
Roz Banks and Peter Selby and Dr Naveen Vasudev) and through them to Professor
Tim Bishop, Head of Institute, the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dean of
Faculty of Medicine and Health.
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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First degree and a PhD in a relevant biological science
Previous working experience in in vitro cell culture and relevant functional
manipulation and analysis techniques including at least several of
transfection, PCR, in vitro tumorigenesis assays, proliferation assays,
siRNA knockdown.
High level of knowledge and experience in analysis of protein
expression/function using a variety of techniques (e.g. western blotting,
immunoprecipitation)
Evidence of a drive and commitment in developing an independent
scientific career.
Ability to work independently and experience of successfully setting up a
research project delivering to agreed timescales.
A publication record including first author publications or to be able to
demonstrate excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject.
Willingness to work flexibly, when necessary, to fulfil the needs of the
research project
Evidence of working well within a research team and the ability to build
good working relationships across organisations
Enthusiasm for translational research
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in data
documentation and presenting results to an audience
Excellent computer skills
Experience of supervising others
A good understanding of Good Laboratory Practice and basic Health and
Safety requirements.
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Desirable
 Experience in proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry (although training
will be provided)
 Confocal microscopy experience
 Experience with tissue processing and analysis via immunofluorescence
and immunohistochemistry
 Interest in and experience of bioinformatic analysis of biological findings
 Successful experience in writing grant applications
Further information
Faculty Information
Faculty of Medicine and Health 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, musculoskeletal 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 evidencebased 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.
Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and postdoctoral 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.
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
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 buildings on the St James’s University Hospital site,
Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF. 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.