Job Purpose

Prof. Seth Coffelt’s lab based at the CRUK Scotland Institute (formerly known as the Beatson Institute) is a cancer immunology group that focuses on the role of gamma delta (gd) T cells during cancer progression. Over the past few years, we have described how different subsets of gd T cells either promote or prevent tumour formation, growth, and metastasis (Edwards et al., JEM 2023, PMID 36480166; Suzuki et al., Cancer Immunol Res 2023, PMID 37309673; Wiesheu et al., EMBO J 2024, PMID 38816652). We have identified a hierarchy within IFNg-producing gd T cells where cells transition from an immature to mature state of differentiation (Wiesheu et al., EMBO J 2024, PMID 38816652). The mature IFNg-producing gd T cells can control primary mammary tumour growth, and now we want to study these cells in the context of breast cancer metastasis to the lung. The project will involve mouse breast cancer metastasis models, flow cytometry, advanced imaging techniques in collaboration with Dr. Leo Carlin.

The successful applicant will be highly enthusiastic, driven to succeed and already have a PhD in cancer biology or immunology. As a postdoctoral researcher, the successful applicant will take on a leading role in the project and will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow. The applicant will be among approximately 60 other postdoctoral researchers at the CRUK Scotland Institute and will have access to world-class facilities and career advancement opportunities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.        Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2.        Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.        Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.        Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5.        Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.        Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.        Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

8.        Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

9.        Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.     Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

11.     Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

12.     Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13.     Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

15.     Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience.

A2  A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the fields of cancer biology or immunology.

A3  Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques, such as molecular biology or immunology techniques or mouse handling.

Skills

Essential

C1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

C2  A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality publications/conferences

C3  Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

Experience

Essential:

E1  Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2  Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E3  Experience in undertaking independent research

E4  Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

E5  Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

For informal enquiries, please email: seth.coffelt@glasgow.ac.uk.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,247 - £45,163 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 48 months.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Closing Date  23:45 on 19 February 2025