Research Fellow in Molecular Biology

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The role

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position to innovate novel polymeric photonic crystal-based point-of-care devices for the detection of prostate cancer biomarkers. 

Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in men and the 4th most common overall. In the US, around 288,300 new cases are estimated in 2023. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is protein present in blood produced by the prostate gland in men. PSA becomes elevated from normal levels when the prostate becomes cancerous. According to NHS website, PSA tests are unreliable and can suggest prostate cancer when no cancer exists (a false-positive result). 

 This project, which is funded for 12 months by Advanced Material Development Ltd., will be focussed on the development of an alternative test for early detection of prostate cancer with the aim of delivering a point-of-care device that helps diagnose cancer quickly and allows timely treatment. 

The Research Fellow will:

• perform the experimental work on the project, 
• be responsible for developing and validating novel testing protocols and to ensure quality, 
• carry out experiments and research on their own, but they will be part of a larger team. Hence it is necessary that the successful applicant have strong skills in team working and communicating scientific results to an industrial founder and stakeholders, 
• maintain long-term datasets, testing procedures, validate testing systems, and continually assess measurement consistency and reliability
• document the design processes including objectives, issues, and outcomes.

The Research Fellow will report to Dr. Izabela Jurewicz (Surrey Physics) and Dr. Thomas Waters a senior Research Fellow within Izabela’s group. 

About you

The successful candidate will possess a range of essential skills and abilities. They should hold a PhD in molecular biology or a related field and demonstrate excellent communication skills, with a background in writing reports and delivering oral presentations. Strong practical laboratory skills are required, including experience in running assays, particularly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Additionally, the candidate should be capable of working independently and proposing original research ideas.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and cover letter on the University website. Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to Dr. Izabela Jurewicz (Izabela.jurewicz@surrey.ac.uk) The funding source requires that the post must be filled as soon as possible.  

Further details:   

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£34,980) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate.  Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£36,024).

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