Research Fellow at University of Birmingham

A University of Birmingham funded post-doctoral research fellow position is available to work in the lab of Professor Jon Frampton in collaboration with Professor Amos Burke in the Institute for Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham and with Professor Suzanne Turner (University of Cambridge). The postholder will contribute to the creation of knowledge by investigating genesis of fusion genes in paediatric cancer using NPM-ALK as an exemplar.  

Fusion genes and proteins are an important feature of childhood cancer but their genesis and function are poorly understood. Extending the work of the Turner lab in Cambridge, in long-standing collaboration with Amos Burke, this work will generate new understanding of fusion genes using NPM-ALK as a paradigm that has been extensively studied in the Turner lab. The Frampton lab has extensive experience and expertise in stem cell biology.

The finding of a variety of pre-malignant fusion genes in cord blood or in cytokine-stimulated CD34+ cells remains unexplained and no mechanism for their generation has been elaborated. Understanding of the processes involved in the generation of fusion genes will open potential avenues for new therapeutic approaches in childhood cancer.

All applicants should be proficient with basic tissue culture and molecular biology techniques and flow cytometry. Prior experience with metabolic analysis approaches is desirable but not required. Bioinformatics experience would be advantageous. Applicants should be able to demonstrate prior research success; for example, through publications/pre-prints, presentations at conferences and relevant academic prizes/travel awards.

Main Duties:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a PhD (or one near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones

Informal enquiries to Professor Amos Burke G.A.A.Burke@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply button above.

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