Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate (Part-Time)
Section:
Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Division:
Experimental Medicine
Department:
Medicine
Job Family and Level:
Research and Education, Level B
Salary Range:
£26,720 - £38,930 pro rata per annum
Responsible To:
Professor Alan Boobis
Works Closely With:
Dr Lesley Rushton (Department of Epidemiology and
Public Health, St Mary’s Campus)
Funding:
FSA
Location:
Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Campus
Duration:
Fixed term until 31 January 2012 (3 days per week)
Working Hours:
Not normally less than 21 hours per week
Project Title:
Interpretation of Margins of Exposure for Genotoxic
Carcinogens
Centre for Pharmacology & Therapeutics
The Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics is an active research department
that comprises a number of research groups specialising in toxicology, proteomics,
apoptosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
Detailed project
The general approach to genotoxic carcinogens has been to reduce exposure to
levels that are "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA), but this does not provide
a clear basis for deciding on the urgency or extent of risk management actions. To
address this, a series of international initiatives have recommended adopting a
"Margin of Exposure" approach (MoE), which is useful for ranking risks from different
chemicals or exposure situations. However, there is less agreement on the important
question of how to interpret individual MoEs. Some consider that compounds with an
MoE of >10,000 are of low concern or of low priority for further action. However, the
scientific basis for this value, and its suitability in guiding risk management decisions,
remain unclear.
This project will develop a robust scientific rationale for defining levels of concern
associated with given values or ranges of MoEs. This will be achieved by
systematically reviewing evidence and expert opinion on dose-response relationships
for genotoxic carcinogens, developing a statistical framework to inform the definition
of levels of concern, and comparing the results with data on a number of known
human carcinogens. The project will involve the collaboration of toxicologists,
epidemiologists and statisticians.
Research Duties
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To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision in
particular undertaking the following:
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Critical review of existing proposals for a level of concern and
alternative approaches for interpreting Margins of Exposure for
genotoxic carcinogens
Examine the theoretical basis for how assessment factors should be
combined in risk assessment
Collate toxicological evidence and expert knowledge regarding the
form of the dose-response curve for genotoxic carcinogens at low
exposures, and analyse the implications for a level of concern for
Margins of Exposure
Use existing epidemiological data to analyse the relationship between
Margins of Exposure and human cancers, and to estimate upper
bounds for the incidences of unrecognised chemical-induced cancers
Integrate the lines of evidence from the above to develop conclusions
and recommendations on levels of concern and other approaches for
interpreting Margins of Exposure for genotoxic carcinogens
To identify and develop suitable approaches for the collection and analysis of
data ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain highly organised, full, accurate, complete and legible record
records of research work
To take initiatives in the planning of research and assisting in the supervision
of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research
assistants as required
To help write reports for submission to research sponsor
In discussion with the other investigators, to prepare work for presentation at
appropriate national or international meetings and for publication in relevant
peer- reviewed journals
To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit
including attending and presenting at Group/Unit research meetings and
internal seminars
To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and
elsewhere in London, the UK or abroad, as appropriate and work with
scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
Other Duties
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To comply with the College, Division, and Centre safety practices and to
attend courses on safety as appropriate
To undertake any appropriate administration tasks designated
To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations,
Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and
Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy, Intellectual Property
Rights and Register of Interests Policies
Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as
Head of Department/Division/Centre
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and so the post holder may be required
to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies
and regulations, for example Health and Safety, Data Protection etc.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in our Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice
frameworks.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications and Experience
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PhD or equivalent in toxicology or other relevant discipline
Experience in systematic review
Experience in risk assessment methodology, such as mode action analysis
Practical experience within a research environment
Skills and Abilities
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Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range
of people including scientists, sponsors, clinicians and students
Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with
experience in data presentation and statistical analyses
Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts with a creative approach to
problem-solving
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision and to prioritise own
work in response to deadlines
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to undertake training, specifically with regard to dose-response
analysis
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and/or attend conferences
Desirable
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Experience in the use of statistical software
Background knowledge of the biology of cancer
Willingness to participate in expert elicitation process
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more
space, please attach additional sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be
used only for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our
commitment to Equal Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2010039 should be
sent, by the closing date of 10 March 2010, online via the Imperial College
iRecruitment website.
Short listed candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your
application.