Research Assistant/Associate in Vivo Cancer Modelling

The Role

The Faculty of Medical Sciences infrastructure team is looking to recruit an experienced Researcher to provide expertise in the area of in vivo rodent cancer modeling, including orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) modelling, in vivo imaging, target validation and preclinical therapy assessment. 

The post is within the Newcastle Centre for Cancer and is based in the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre. You will oversee and implement a portfolio of in vivo studies for multiple cancer projects. You will work with PIs to deliver state of the art study design, innovation and delivery to underpin cancer research in Newcastle. The studies will continue to develop the outstanding international reputation for Childhood Cancer Research in Newcastle

You will be involved in developing improved animal models and methods for non-invasive assessment of malignant disease location and progression. You will foster collaboration across the University and with international academic and commercial partners and help supervise team members to ensure smooth running and timely output of in vivo projects.

The role will require some working out of normal hours. The post is available until October 2025 with the possible opportunity for this to be extended.

For informal enquiries contact: Dr Simon Bomken, email:

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:

Find out more about our Research Institutes here:

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

Management and Administration
• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value' in leading in vivo studies for Childhood Cancer Research
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements 
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Prepare Home Office licence applications and reports
• Ensure ASPA licence compliance, including study plans, training records and procedure documentation
• Liaise with animal unit staff and management and provide input to University animal research policies
• Ensure compliance with legal and health and safety standards across departments
• Ensure HTA compliance
• Manage a budget, supply and charge for services, ensure cost-efficiency
• Store, record and distribute a bank of PDX samples
• Assist and begin to write with Principal Investigators the preparation of funding applications involving in vivo studies.Report to senior management for in vivo strategies and future requirements
• Determine priorities and manage time effectively to deliver objectives and meet deadlines for multiple concurring projects

Supervision
• With guidance assist in the training and supervision of staff and students to design studies, perform procedures and interpret data. Ensure work is carried out to high standard

In vivo studies
• Work with Principal Investigators to design and perform high impact in vivo studies for cancer research
• Develop novel, reliable mouse cancer models
• Develop and implement innovative and novel in vivo methodologies
• Devise and implement 3Rs interventions
• Implement health and welfare scoring methods and ensure humane endpoints
• Provide extensive expertise in a range of rodent regulated procedures including the implantation of cells, administration of substances and surgery
• Devise and optimise protocols for a range of purposes including cell culture, mouse genotyping, sample preparation, cell-tracking, flow cytometry, in vivo imaging, potential therapy evaluations, pharmacological and toxicity assessments
• Effectively manage mouse GA colonies to ensure research requirements
• Source mouse strains and devise breeding strategies
• Apply appropriate judgement and perceptive decision making to in vivo study directions and to the health and welfare of laboratory mice
• Perform molecular biology and cell culture techniques to generate and store cells for in vivo studies
• Culture a range of primary tissue and cells in the laboratory

Communication
• Liaise with AWERB and Home Office representatives to maintain the highest standards of care and welfare within the Comparative Biology Centre
• Communicate effectively with individuals from different specialities, including researchers, vets, clinicians, animal technologists, students and engineers
• Support, reach out and communicate with the non-scientist, lay-person. Provide tours and explanation of cancer in vivo research
• Present data in publications and at meeting and conferences

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
• Proven extensive animal research experience
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects 
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability 
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others 
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment 
• Understanding of mouse genetics/development/anatomy/pathology/welfare
• Proficient in mouse regulated procedures, including cell and molecule administration
• Experience of mouse breeding colonies, including mouse genotyping
• Knowledge of Human Tissue Act (HTA) regulations and compliance
• Well-developed understanding of health and safety regulations, risk assessments and procedures within a laboratory environment
• Proficiency in word processing software and database applications

Desirable
• Experience of ASPA licence applications and securing compliance 
• Experience of working with immunocompromised mice
• Experience of developing and managing a tissue collection
• Competency in cell culture, molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, immuno-staining, in vivo imaging, drug development and pharmacology
• Experience of financial management, including budget control, FEC of services and studies and cost-efficiency assessments
• Experience of staff line-management and student supervision
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to be able to work with range of internal and external customers
• Experience of working in a support environment and delivering project outcomes to academic and non-academic stakeholders

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Keen ability learn to keep up with technology and methodological developments in all relevant areas to allow the service meet the requirements of the university
• Good communication skills and proven ability to interact with all stakeholder groups
• Pays attention to detail and carries out practical work to a high standard
• Experience of team leading (either formally or informally) in a research environment
• Willingness to work outside normal hours

Qualifications

• A PhD in relevant subject Area (required for appointment at Associate level)
• Honors degree in a relevant subject area or close to submission of PhD (for appointment at Assistant level) and demonstrable hands-on experience in a relevant area / discipline

Desirable
• Completion of ASPA approved training (PILAB, C and PPL)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27316

We ensure there's something for everyone and these benefits include: a cycle-to-work schemeshopping discountscompetitive pension schemehealth and wellbeing initiativesactivities and eventsgenerous leavediscounted travelChristmas shutdown