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_________________________________________________________________________ Job title Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell Biology/Biochemistry Division Medical Sciences Division Department Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences Location NDORMS, Botnar Research Centre, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD Grade and salary Grade 7: £36,024 - £44,263 per annum Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term (until December 2025) Reporting to Professor John Christianson Vacancy reference 168437 Research topic Protein quality control mechanisms in cancer Principal Investigator / Dr. John C Christianson supervisor Funding partner The funds supporting this research project are provided by CRUK The role Prof. Christianson’s research group at the Nuffield Dept. of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, investigates the role that protein quality control mechanisms play in cancer, with their overall aim being to identify novel points of therapeutic intervention. The research focuses primarily on mechanisms of protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). As part of a Cancer Research UK (CRUK) funded project, the group is deciphering the molecular mechanisms of ubiquitin ligase complexes involved in degradation and their role as part of the unfolded protein response to ER stress in cancer, with a long-term goal of identifying small molecules that modulate this process. You will join an interdisciplinary team of experimental scientists from diverse backgrounds working in the fields of cell biology and myeloma drug resistance. The laboratory is part of the Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre. The Centre is a hub for myeloma research groups to collaborate and develop novel therapeutic interventions that improve patient outcome. This post will work closely with academic and industry collaborators at institutions in Oxford, the UK, and abroad to develop strategies that will elucidate mechanisms of protein quality control. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated scientist possessing advanced knowledge of cell biology/protein biochemistry and experience in (or willingness to learn) mass spectrometry sample preparation and analysis. The individual will have previous laboratory experience, the ability to work to a high standard, good communication skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The research will involve a wide range of basic and advanced cellular/molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including (but not limited to) cell culture, genomic manipulation (e.g. CRISPR), protein biochemistry, mass spectrometry, FACS, and radiolabelling. The successful applicant will have been working in the areas of ubiquitin-proteasome biology, ER homeostasis and related processes or membrane protein biology, or be highly motivated to move into these fields. Prior training in a range of the standard laboratory techniques for molecular and cell biology, and biochemistry is expected. Relevant experience with ER quality control and ER stress, or characterisation of membrane protein complexes, is highly desirable. Training will be available in all aspects of the work, especially in the less standard protocols including mass spectrometry. It is expected that applicants will have basic familiarity with the majority of the necessary biochemical techniques. The applicant must have an adaptable approach to work and an eagerness to tackle a variety of tasks. Support and troubleshooting guidance will be available. However, after induction, an ability to work without supervision, combining a structured and organised approach with enthusiasm will be important. Responsibilities/duties Key duties • Manage own academic research and administrative activities around the biochemical and functional characterisation of ubiquitin ligase complexes. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines • Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols are around various cell-based systems • Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate • Contribute ideas for new research projects 168437_JD.doc 2 • Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters • Some supervisory roles to train junior staff in cell/molecular biology/biochemistry. • Operate laboratory equipment used for all aspects of cell/molecular biology/biochemistry. • Interpret results and present them to senior members of the group and Prof. Christianson • Responsible for oversight of the daily housekeeping and biological safety of the laboratory area and performing any other comparable duties as may be required to ensure the efficient running of the laboratory. Communication • Communicate with Prof. Christianson and other members of the group as required, ensuring that they are kept fully up to date with progress and difficulties in the research project. • Participate in and contribute directly to scientific discussions with other members of the research group and collaborators on the project. Maintain confidentiality regarding research data when interacting with non-collaborating researchers. • Assist in dissemination of findings of the research group by authorship of manuscripts, presentation of results at meetings, and contribution to the group web site. Education and Training • Attend appropriate scientific seminars, training opportunities and meetings in the Department and University. • Participate in the education and training of other staff as necessary and appropriate. • Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Department and the University. Additional Duties • To undertake appropriate administration tasks • To collaborate with national and international partners to develop and maintain the research agenda. • To give presentations to multidisciplinary groups and attend local, national and international conferences for the purpose of disseminating research results. • To attend relevant meetings, including conferences and similar business meetings with collaborators from both national and international research centers. • To contribute to drafting research grant proposals Pre-employment screening All offers of employment are made subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to provide proof of your right-to-work, your identity, and we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration (so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities so that we can discuss appropriate adjustments with you), and a declaration of any unspent criminal convictions. We advise all applicants to read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures, found at: www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/preemploymentscreening/. Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties 168437_JD.doc 3 This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service (OHS), and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows: • Night working (11pm-6am, when required) • Lone Working • Work in hot or cold environments • Driving on University business (on occasion) • Working with Ionising Radiation • Working with infectious pathogens (hazard group 2/3) - Hazard Group 3 pathogens • Working with blood, human products and human tissues (when appropriate) • Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS: Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • • • • • • • • • A Ph.D./DPhil degree (or near completion) in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline. Experience in ubiquitin-proteasome system biology, ER-related processes/mechanisms or membrane protein biology Evidence of ability to communicate results clearly and logically as part of a diverse research team. Experience in standard and advanced Cell/Molecular Biology and Biochemistry techniques. Publication/s in internationally recognised journals or on preprint servers (ideally at least one as first author) Experience in presenting at national/international conferences A conscientious and enthusiastic working approach Ability to work flexibly with regard to duties and hours worked, with the priority being meeting the team research goals Willingness to travel in the UK and further afield on occasion. For some visits it may be necessary to stay overnight, normally within the working week Desirable Selection Criteria: • Experience in processing and analysing mass spectrometry samples/data • Experience in protein degradation or monitoring ER-stress and the UPR • Experience in cell-based assay development and small molecule screening About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive 168437_JD.doc 4 workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cuttingedge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities. Income from external research contracts in 2016/17 exceeded £564m and we rank first in the UK for university spinouts, with more than 130 companies created to date. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. Medical Sciences Division The Medical Sciences Division is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for biomedical and clinical research and teaching. We are the largest academic division in the University of Oxford. World-leading programmes, housed in state-of-the-art facilities, cover the full range of scientific endeavour from the molecule to the population. With our NHS partners we also foster the highest possible standards in patient care. For more information please visit: www.medsci.ox.ac.uk Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) is part of the Medical Sciences Division and is the largest European academic department in its field, running a globally competitive programme of research and teaching. Our mission is to discover the causes of musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions to deliver excellent and innovative care that improves people’s quality of life. Our highly skilled teams have expertise in a broad range of areas, including orthopaedic surgery, inflammation, immunology, rheumatology, medical statistics, epidemiology, and clinical trials. We currently have 460 staff, 100 students and have a grants portfolio worth over £148 million, and an annual turnover in excess of £38 million. The Botnar Research Centre enables and encourages research and education into the causes of musculoskeletal disease and their treatment. The Centre provides world-class facilities for scientists in the field of musculoskeletal research. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing orthopaedic, rehabilitation and rheumatology clinical scientists, bone oncologists, laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, engineers and statisticians. The Botnar also hosts the Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU) and the Centre of Statistics in Medicine (CSM), providing excellent statistical support to all aspects of clinical research. 168437_JD.doc 5 The Botnar opened in 2002, with a large annex completed in 2013. The Botnar is now home to around 300 staff and postgraduate students enjoying the international and friendly atmosphere of this workplace and benefits from the vast knowledge of leading experts in the field of musculoskeletal research. To accommodate its rapid growth, the Centre will open another wing in 2021. This will provide research space for the new Professor of Biomaterials. The new space will include 1000m2 of office and 1000m2 of laboratory space. The laboratory space includes a GMP clean room facility suitable for the manufacturing of biomaterials for human implantation. Sharing the site of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, the largest specialist academic musculoskeletal hospital in the UK, puts the Botnar in a unique position to foster the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians, which is essential to success in medical research. The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology is world famous for its discovery of anti-TNF therapy for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, which has established the current standard of care and heralded the wider use of biologic drugs to treat chronic disease. The Institute carries out fundamental research in the areas of immunity and microbiome, inflammation biology and tissue remodelling and regeneration, with the long-term objective of ‘translating’ this research into clinical application. The major diseases of interest are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. The Institute provides space to house close to 200 researchers and support staff. For more information please visit: http://www.kennedy.ox.ac.uk 168437_JD.doc 6 Athena Swan The Athena SWAN Awards specifically recognise success in developing employment practices to further and support the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) departments in academia. In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles. Within NDORMS, we feel that we have an established culture of equality but are using the process to spur on-going improvement that benefits everyone involved in the Department. Our on-going progress was rewarded in May 2014 with an Athena Swan Bronze Award and in October 2015 with a Silver Award. Our development in this area has resulted in a number of commitments to our staff, central to which are: ➢ establishing an open, supportive and family-friendly research environment ➢ supporting career progression through teaching programmes, personal development reviews and mentoring ➢ proactive communication of support policies such as flexible working, provision of leave, promotion and career support schemes NDORMS aims to actively promote the implementation of the University’s family-friendly policies to help foster a family friendly working environment, including provision of family leave (such as policies for maternity, paternity, parental, carers and adoption leave), flexible/part-time working and scheduling inclusive meetings. The University’s childcare services support staff with a Childcare Voucher Scheme to help staff save tax and national insurance on childcare costs, offer information on nursery providers and a nursery fee Salary Sacrifice Scheme, work in partnership with playscheme providers to help support families during school holidays and signpost staff to parenting, local authority and other organisations that help support families and parents. The Department is also committed to ensuring that staff undertaking part-time or flexible working receive the same access to benefits and entitlements as full-time staff, including the same opportunities for training and promotion, a pro-rata entitlement to leave including bank holidays and careful consideration of requests to work part-time (particularly for those by staff returning from maternity leave). For more information please visit: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/staffinfo/benefits/family/ and http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/during/flexible/ We are also actively working to uphold the University’s aim of providing an inclusive environment and equal career opportunities by promoting equality, valuing diversity and maintaining a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff are respected. Separate University policies are also in place to ensure race, disability and gender equality. For more information, please visit: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/ 168437_JD.doc 7 Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research The mission of the newly launched Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research is to undertake internationally competitive research into the processes underlying multiple myeloma and related plasma cell diseases. The investigators of the Centre are committed to translate this research into improved patient health by combining outstanding clinical research with excellent basic science in Oxford, thereby generating testable novel therapeutic options and advances. We are working together with the National Institute of Health Research, the NHS, patient organisations as well as national and international public academic institutions and private companies with the aim of further and constantly improving the diagnosis, treatment and standard of care of myeloma. For more information, please visit: https://oxford-myeloma.org.uk/ How to apply Before submitting an application, you may find it helpful to read the ‘Tips on applying for a job at the University of Oxford’ document, at www.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/supportandtechnical/. If you would like to apply, click on the Apply Now button on the ‘Job Details’ page and follow the on-screen instructions to register as a new user or log-in if you have applied previously. Please provide details of three referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will also be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants). Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). Should you experience any difficulties using the online application system, please email recruitment.support@admin.ox.ac.uk. Further help and support is available from www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/jobs/support/. To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our e-recruitment system to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates 168437_JD.doc 8 Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/councilsec/compliance/gdpr/privacynotices/job/. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/councilsec/compliance/gdpr/universitypolicyondataprotection/. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for all academic posts and some academic-related posts. The University has adopted an EJRA of 30 September before the 69th birthday for all academic and academic-related staff in posts at grade 8 and above. The justification for this is explained at: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/end/retirement/acrelretire8+/. For existing employees, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/end/retirement/acrelretire8+/. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at grades 1–7 have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of Opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 168437_JD.doc 9 Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/staffinfo/benefits. University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and www.sport.ox.ac.uk/oxford-university-sports-facilities. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See www.welcome.ox.ac.uk. There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependents. See www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/permits/reimburse&loanscheme/. Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to My Family Care, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back-up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/staffinfo/benefits/family/mfc/. Childcare The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see www.admin.ox.ac.uk/childcare/. Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/disab/staff. Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/inpractice/networks/. The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. 168437_JD.doc 10
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Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)
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Past vacancies at the University of Oxford
There is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cell Biology/Biochemistry in the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) based at the Botnar Research Centre, Oxford. The laboratory of Prof. John Christianson is seeking an exceptional, enthusiastic, and motivated scientist to work on a research project investigating protein degradation mechanisms in cancer. You will join an interdisciplinary team of experimental scientists working in the fields of cell biology and myeloma drug resistance as part of the Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre. In this role, you will be biochemically and functionally characterising ubiquitin ligase complexes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), working with both in vitro and cell culture systems. The research project will involve a wide range of basic and advanced molecular/cellular biology and biochemical techniques, including but not limited to; cell culture, genomic manipulation (e.g. CRISPR), mass spectrometry, IP-WB, FACS, protein purification, and radiolabelling. You will have previous laboratory experience, good communication skills, and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities, while contributing to the dissemination of research group findings by authorship of manuscripts, presentations at meetings, and the group’s website. We are seeking an individual with a PhD/DPhil (or be near completion) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline. Previous and relevant experience in ubiquitin-proteasome biology, protein quality control, or membrane protein biochemistry is essential. Experience in mass spectrometry with complex samples, ER biology, ER-stress and the UPR, or background in haematological cancer biology, is highly desirable. This is a full-time fixed term (until December 2025) appointment. The closing date for this position is 12 noon on 27/10/2023. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.
Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Department of (NDORMS)
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