Total 4 Junior Executive level Science / R&D / Research job vacancies in Cheltenham, England

About the role

You will help to deliver an innovative neuro-oncology research project; developing a new preclinical in vivo model of NF2-null meningioma and investigating immunotherapies. The project involves using single-cell RNA-sequencing and murine models of NF2-null tumours, patient-derived xenograft drug screening and validation with a variety of wet-lab techniques. This role is advertised on a fixed-term basis for 2.5 years due to external funding.

The role will be ideally suited to an early-career researcher who is motivated to join a vibrant neuro-oncology research community at the University of Plymouth’s Brain Tumour Research centre of excellence.

Essential:

• Ph.D (or close to completion) in neuro-oncology, immunology or other closely related and relevant subject.
• Competence in a variety of laboratory techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of cancer cell biology and tumour-associated immune cells.
• Skill in protocol development and optimisation.

Desirable:

• Experience in animal research and/or UK Home Office PIL A/B + C (rodents).
• Experience in single-cell RNA-sequencing and/or other omics techniques.
• Bioinformatics skills.
• First-author publications and/or other demonstrable research impacts.

Our Research:

The Parkinson lab’s neuro-oncology research focus centres around NF2-null nervous system tumours; meningioma, schwannoma and ependymoma. We have access to an excellent biobank of primary tumour cells, and use genetic and xenograft murine models to drive translational preclinical research.

Recent publications:

Inhibition of YAP/TAZ-driven TEAD activity prevents growth of NF2-null schwannoma and meningioma, Brain, 2022;awac342, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac342

Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K Promotes Proliferation and Confers Sensitivity to Antiretroviral Drugs in Merlin-Negative Schwannoma and Meningioma. Cancer Res 2022 Jan 15;82(2):235-247. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-3857

Merlin controls the repair capacity of Schwann cells after injury by regulating Hippo/YAP activity. JCB, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201606052

Peninsula Medical School:

Our laboratory is based in the Derriford Research Facility within the Peninsula Medical School and contains state-of-the-art facilities for delivering this project including a confocal microscopy suite and biological services unit. Our facility is supported by the Brain Tumour Research charity as a Centre of Excellence.

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 Dr Liyam Laraba by email liyam.laraba@plymouth.ac.uk

Interviews are likely to take place on week commencing Monday 20 January 2025 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 30 months due to funding.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

Remote working is available up to 1 days a week.

About us

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

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.

Application Process

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

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer

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

We offer a competitive salary package, a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits/support mechanisms, including ongoing development opportunities, flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented communities at the University of Plymouth, such as carers/parents, people with disabilities, ethnically diverse, LGBT+, and people from all socio-economic backgrounds.

The RSPB, in conjunction with BTO and Natural England, are running national surveys of the three key lowland heathland species in 2025 – Nightjar, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler.
We are looking to recruit four Research Assistants, on six-month contracts (from early February to the end of July) to undertake fieldwork for these surveys at various sites (primarily in England). What's the role about?
These posts require experience of conducting fieldwork on lowland heathland, moorland and in conifer plantations, by 1km-square. The post holders should have a good knowledge of the ecology of Nightjars, Woodlarks and Dartford Warblers and should be able to ensure the smooth running of the surveys by dealing diplomatically with all interested parties. Fieldwork will involve long and unsociable hours in the field and will be physically demanding over the contract period. Extensive travel to different sites may also be required. Applicants must be able to regularly travel to, from and within remote locations not served by public transport. If work from a home base is not possible the post holder will be responsible for finding their own accommodation, although the RSPB will be able to contribute towards costs. The successful candidates will be allocated to survey priority sites for each of the species, mainly in southern England, where additional coverage is needed. The surveys will follow the standard national survey methods for each species, with the following survey periods for each species: Woodlark - mid February to late May (2 visits to each square); Dartford Warbler - early April to late June (2 visits); Nightjar - June and July (2 visits). Additionally, surveyors will be asked to record numbers (or absence) of the other species listed in the JNCC heathland bird assemblage. The fieldwork will include a combination of early mornings, and survey work around dawn and dusk.
Key information:

This role will involve lone working.
This role will require early morning and evening working and may require regular weekend working.
The role may be based in a remote and rural location.
This role may require occasional travel within the UK.
This role may require occasional overnight stays away from home.
The RSPB works for a healthy environment for all and we therefore expect you to take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives. Together we can make positive difference for our world.
In the RSPB, volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to the RSPB’s aim to take action for the conservation of wild birds and the environment. Employees are responsible for encouraging, developing and supporting volunteers in their work for the RSPB.

What we need from you:

Expected to have a degree or equivalent experience.
Demonstrable specialist knowledge in relevant taxonomic groups appropriate to the post.
Knowledge of conservation issues and scientific principles.
Knowledge of, and adherence to, legal and practical requirements for ensuring own health and safety, sometimes in challenging field conditions.
Demonstrable, specialist identification and practical field skills appropriate to the post.
Ability to use own initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field
Ability to be self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined work plan.
Practical scientific skills of a standard that provides the highest quality data
Demonstrable experience of relevant research or survey techniques - Desirable
Skilled use of Microsoft Office - Desirable
Knowledge of conservation issues and practice, and conservation science - Desirable

Additional Information
These are full-time contract posts for 37.5 hours per week, for 6 months.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 9th December 2024. For further information please contact andrew.stanbury@rspb.org.uk; fiona.burns@rspb.org.uk; simon.wotton@rspb.org.uk.
As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

Professional Assistant - Grade D

Description
We are seeking a highly organized and motivated Professional Assistant to join our team. As a Professional Assistant, you will play a critical role in supporting the administrative functions of our organization. Your attention to detail and ability to multitask will be essential in ensuring the smooth operation of our office.

In this role, you will assist with various administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining files, coordinating meetings, and managing correspondence. You will also be responsible for researching and preparing reports, managing calendars, and handling travel arrangements. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and will be able to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities
Assist with scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements
Organize and maintain files and documents
Manage correspondence and prioritize incoming emails and phone calls
Research and gather information for reports and presentations
Coordinate and prepare materials for meetings and conferences
Maintain and update calendars and ensure all deadlines are met
Provide administrative support to team members as needed
Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred
Proven experience as an administrative assistant or similar role
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of office management systems and procedures

Hours Per Week: 37.00
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Pay Per Hour: £12.80

The job applicant, will need to provide two references, from past/previous employers.

Should you wish to apply for this job opportunity, please send an up to date CV.

We are recruiting an organised, hard-working individual to join our friendly and busy team to help in the delivery of a wide range of research projects and commercial trials in the areas of ecology, pests and disease in horticulture.

As a Research Assistant, your key duties include:

• Field work, such as preparing trial materials and marking out trials; applying treatments (spraying); monitoring crop husbandry; collating experimental data (plant, disease, pests); accurate record keeping; biocontrol, pollinator and wildflower identification.
• Laboratory work, such as laboratory maintenance; molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR); microscopy; and culturing microbial strains in vitro, invertebrate identification, maintaining plant cultures.
• Conduct drone- and ground-based phenotyping in both commercial and academic projects.
• Data entry, quality checks and administration.

Comprehensive training will be provided.

You will be joining NIAB’s Pest & Pathogen Ecology Department, which aims to understand the ecology of pests, pathogens, host plants and natural enemies at community, whole organism and molecular levels to develop more effective and sustainable management of horticultural crops.

The role at times can be physically demanding and includes working in all weather conditions outdoors and in polytunnels/glasshouses. In peak seasons, working pattern may vary from day to day.

Location

The role is based at East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ. East Malling is three miles from junction four of the M20, with plenty of free on-site parking. NIAB East Malling can easily be accessed by the London Victoria to Dover (via Ashford International) rail route via West Malling station. Alternatively, exit the train at the East Malling station and take the short walk onto site.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Tom Passey, Principal Scientific Assistant, Pest & Pathogen Ecology Department, tom.passey@niab.com

Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible working, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, free on-site parking and great colleagues.


ABOUT YOU

Essential requirements
Ideally you have:

• BTEC/HND/A-Levels in science/horticulture or equivalent qualifications/experience
• Competency in Microsoft Office (ideally Word, Excel and SharePoint)
• Accurate observational and data recording skills with high attention to detail
• Practical experience of field and/or glasshouse work in a science or horticulture environment
• Full UK driving licence or access to independent means of travelling, enabling you to travel to grower sites. Transport can be provided.

Desirable requirements
Ideally you may also have:

• BSc in biology/biological sciences or equivalent qualifications/experience in horticulture
• Pesticide application certification (PA1 and PA6 or PA9)
• Practical experience of working in a laboratory, especially in molecular biology
• Experience in microbiology and/or crop protection
• Knowledge of plant pest and pathogen identification
• Experience of operating a drone and/or machine based phenotyping

See full Job Description for more details by contacting human.resources@niab.com.

ABOUT US

NIAB – Plant science into practice
Come and join an organisation at the forefront of the application of genetics, physiology, soil science, precision agronomy and data science to improve the yield, efficiency, and resilience of crop production across the arable, forage and horticulture sectors.

NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.