Research Assistant

Research Assistant for clinical trial testing the efficacy of anti-retroviral drugs in tumours of the nervous system.

We are looking to recruit a motivated Research Assistant for a phase 0 clinical trial testing anti-retroviral drugs to treat tumours of the nervous system.  You will be expected to have experience in protein extraction from tissue samples, isolation of peripheral blood monocyte cells, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.  This work will be undertaken at the state-of-the-art Biological Services Unit at the University of Plymouth, UK.

Project description: NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is a hereditary tumour predisposition syndrome characterized by loss of the tumour suppressor protein Merlin, leading to the development of multiple nervous system tumours including schwannomas and meningiomas.  Current treatment options for these tumours are limited to surgery and radiosurgery, which are not always fully effective, hence the urgent need for new effective drug treatments.  We have identified and successfully tested several new retroviral protease inhibitors in vitro and now testing these drugs in NF2 patients.  You will analyse tumour tissues and peripheral blood monocyte cells for target inhibition.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Sylwia Ammoun by email at sylwia.ammoun@plymouth.ac.uk.

Interviews are likely to take place on Tuesday 23^rd July 2024.

This is a part-time position working 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE) on a fixed-term basis from 1^st August 2024 to 30^th June 2026 due to funding.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

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