Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Section of Experimental Oncology
Urothelial Cancers Research Group
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (full time)
A postdoctoral post funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research is available in the Molecular Biology of
Urological Cancers Group in the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology.
We are seeking an enthusiastic scientist with strong motivation to understand disease
pathogenesis and apply molecular information to improve clinical practise. The successful
candidate will join a team investigating the genomics of bladder cancer and will characterise key
drivers of bladder cancer development and assess their potential utility as clinical biomarkers.
Applicants should hold a first degree and PhD in a relevant biological science, and have broad
research experience in cell and molecular biology.
This post is fixed-term until the 31st Dec 2018 (available immediately) and will be based at St
James’s University Hospital.
The successful candidate must undergo security screening
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 p.a.) dependent upon qualifications and relevant
research experience
Further information on the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology can be found at
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/900/leeds_institute_of_cancer_and_pathology.
Further information on the Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre can be found at
http://www.cancerresearchukcentre.leeds.ac.uk/
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Professor Maggie Knowles, email
m.a.knowles@leeds.ac.uk
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Sharon Collins, email: s.collins@leeds.ac.uk
It is anticipated that interviews will be held during w/c 19th April 2015
Job Ref: MHCAP1018
Closing Date: 30th March 2015
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Director: Professor Tim Bishop
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/900/leeds_institute_of_cancer_and_pathology
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); 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 Experimental Oncology – Professor Margaret Knowles
The Section focuses on the translation of biological information into clinical application,
working closely with surgeons, oncologists, cytogeneticists and pathologists and using a
range of preclinical models and human tumour samples to study basic tumour biology and
to test and validate hypotheses related to clinical application. Specific interests include
bladder and breast tumours and Ewing’s Sarcoma and neuroblastoma.
Background
The Urothelial Cancers Research Group carries out a range of studies related to the
molecular features of bladder cancer. These include basic discovery work using genomic
analyses (exome sequence, copy number and focussed mutation analysis), expression
analysis (mRNA and miRNA) and methylation analysis of human tumour samples. We
prospectively collect blood, tumour tissues and urine from all consenting bladder cancer
patients at St James’s University Hospital (~150 per annum) and have a tissue bank
containing samples from >2000 cases. Other work in the group includes functional studies
of key genes involved in bladder cancer and assessment of sensitivity to relevant
therapeutic agents. Some basic bioinformatics analysis is carried out within the group and
support is also provided by the Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre. The group has close
links with the Department of Urology with whom we jointly supervise urology Clinical
Research Fellows. We also work closely with a consultant urological pathologist.
A major focus for the next 5 years will be genomics analysis funded by a Yorkshire Cancer
Research Programme award. The aim of the programme is to identify prognostic and
predictive biomarkers.
The group is in the Section of Experimental Oncology (Section Head, M Knowles) within
the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, based on the St James’s University Hospital
campus. We are part of the Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre, a virtual Centre to which
CRUK provides funding for infrastructure. One of the themes within the Centre is
“Translational Genomics and Molecular Pathology” (Theme lead, M Knowles). Funding
has been provided for equipment and laboratory staff, providing a state of the art genomics
service to cancer researchers in Leeds. The CRUK Genomics Facility is co-located with
the University next generation sequencing service and staff from the NHS DNA
Laboratory.
There is major focus on cancer research on this site with a broad range of activities in
basic, applied, clinical and epidemiological sciences generating world-leading and
internationally excellent outputs with scientists acknowledged to be international leaders in
their fields. In addition to Cancer Research UK funding, cancer research in Leeds has a
broad funding base with major contributions from the Medical Research Council,
Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Candlelighters, National Institute for Health
Research, EU and Yorkshire Cancer Research, with significant sharing of facilities and
expertise.
Requirements of the Post
This post will contribute to a programme of work that is exploring the genomics of bladder
cancer. Key goals are to understand the contribution of specific genomic alterations to
tumour cell phenotype and to identify molecular biomarkers suitable for clinical application.
Depending on the experience and interests of the person appointed, there is scope to
focus entirely on functional analyses of candidate oncogenic drivers in bladder cancer or to
contribute more broadly to functional and genomic analyses.
A range of cell and molecular biological analyses may be used:
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Culture of human urothelial cells (normal, preneoplastic and neoplastic)
Manipulation of gene expression by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer and
knockdown
Phenotypic assays on cultured cells
Protein analysis in tumour and cell extracts (western blotting, immunoprecipitation)
Expression analyses (including RNA-seq)
Genome editing using CRISPR technology
Analysis of epigenetic changes in bladder tumours and cell lines (including bisulfite
sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation)
Mutation scanning using targeted resequencing
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Duties and Responsibilities
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To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in this subject
area
To keep abreast and maintain a good working knowledge of the relevant literature
and current developments in the subject area
To evaluate methods used and results obtained by other researchers and relate
these to own work
To provide significant input into the planning, overall direction and development of
the research project
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To present results at national and international meetings
To prepare manuscripts describing results for publication in the scientific literature
To supervise, the work of more junior research and support staff (where
appropriate)
To establish a creditable record of sustained research output
To build internal and external contacts and participate in internal networks for the
exchange of information and for future collaboration.
There are no formal teaching duties attached to this post but some help with
training of students, visitors etc in specific techniques is expected where
appropriate. Occasionally there may be the option to co-supervise undergraduate
practical projects if desired.
To provide guidance and support to staff and students within the group
Contribute to RA and COSSH assessments when appropriate.
You will be expected to support and adhere to the Institute’s commitment to
Equality and Diversity.
All members of the laboratory share in some routine tasks including removal of waste,
collection of glassware for washing up, ordering etc.
You will work under the supervision of Professor Knowles within a research group
comprising post-doctoral research fellows, PhD students, Clinical Fellows and research
support staff involved in a range of projects related to human bladder cancer.
Relationships
The appointment will be made through the Section of Experimental Oncology, Leeds
Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP). You will be responsible to Professor Knowles
through whom you will be accountable to the Head of Institute and the Dean of the 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
Education and Professional Training
Essential
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A relevant first degree (minimum 2.1)
PhD in biological sciences
Good publication record
Good background knowledge of contemporary cancer research
Experience in phenotypic analysis of cultured cells
Experience of manipulation of gene expression in mammalian cells (geneoverexpression/knockdown etc)
Experience of a wide range of molecular biology techniques
Evidence of an ability to work individually and in a research team
Evidence of an ability to organise own work and to meet deadlines
Effective interpersonal and communication skills including written and
presentational
Willingness to work flexibly, when necessary, to fulfil the needs of the research
project
An understanding of health and safety issues within the laboratory setting
Desirable
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Experience in epithelial cell culture
Experience of immunohistochemical analysis
Experience in genomic analysis using next generation sequencing approaches e.g.
exome sequencing, targeted sequencing for mutation analysis,
Experience of array-based of next generation sequencing based expression
analysis
Familiarity with computer packages for complex data analysis
Familiarity in use of basic statistical tests
Personal Attributes
Essential
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Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including written and presentational.
Effective organisational ability, including the ability to manage time effectively and
prioritise tasks.
The ability to work effectively, independently, and to work under pressure.
Enthusiasm for working within a multi-disciplinary environment.
Faculty Information
Faculty of Medicine and Health Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £60m, 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.
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.
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 Robert Ogden Building, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett
Street, Leeds. 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.