PM00185_Further particulars - Department of Physiology ...

Department of Physiology,
Development and Neuroscience
FURTHER PARTICULARS
Post:
Hours:
Limit of tenure:
Salary:
Reference:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Full-time
2 years
£27,578 - £35,938 per annum
PM00185
The University
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the largest
in the United Kingdom. Its reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known worldwide
and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original
research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges
The Department
Headed by Professor Bill Harris, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience is one of the largest
departments in the School of Biological Sciences. Research in PDN is primarily in three major
areas: Cellular and Systems Physiology, Developmental and Reproductive Biology, and
Neuroscience. The Department also has an extensive teaching programme for medical,
veterinary and science undergraduates.
PDN is primarily located on the University Downing Site, occupying the Physiological Laboratory
and the Anatomy Building. Much of the space in the department has been recently refurbished
to provide state of the art research and teaching spaces.
The staff profile is: 46 academic officers, 10 independent researchers, 62 post-doctoral
researchers, 77 support staff and 6 academic-related staff. Our student numbers are 600
medical students, 150 veterinary students, 314 science students, 125 third-year students and 93
graduate students. The Department website is at: http://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/
Dr Octavian Voiculescu’s Group
Dr Octavian Voiculescu’s Group focuses on deciphering the mechanisms of generation and
morphogenesis of the neural plate in higher vertebrates. For further information, see
http://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/staff/voiculescu/index.html.
The Post
You will use molecular profiling and innovative vivo imaging techniques in the chick embryo to
understand the stem cells building the main embryonic axis in vertebrates. A strong background
in molecular and cell biology is essential, and experience with chick embryology and imaging is
desirable. Applicants must be motivated and interactive, and should have a relevant PhD.
Duties and responsibilities
• To design, set up and run experiments in consultation with the Principal Investigator,
ensuring that they are appropriately supervised and supported;
• To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments, maintaining a permanent record
of the methodologies and the experiment;
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• To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues;
• To contribute to the writing, submission and revision of papers to be submitted to
appropriate peer reviewed journals, collaborating with others as appropriate;
• To contribute to the overall activities of the research group and the Department as
appropriate;
• To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students if so
requested by the PI.
Person specification
Essential
• PhD in a relevant subject area;
• Proven skills in molecular biology and developmental biology;
• Knowledge of a range of relevant research techniques and scientific literature;
• Proven ability to analyse and write up data;
• Ability to participate in collaborations and meetings with consortium colleagues;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience of working in a research environment.
Desirable
• Skills in chick embryology, culture techniques and imaging;
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences;
How to apply
Candidates should submit a CHRIS/6 application form (parts 1 and 3 only) and CV to Octavian
Voiculescu (ogv20@cam.ac.uk ), Anatomy Building, Department of Physiology, Development and
Neuroscience, Downing Site, Cambridge, CB2 3DY by 2 May 2012.
Terms and conditions of employment
The appointment will be to the post of Research Associate, grade 7. Salary, within the range of
£27,578 - £35,938 per annum, is determinable on the basis of qualifications and experience.
The leave year runs from 1 October to 30 September and the annual leave entitlement is 33
working days plus 8 Bank Holidays. Leave entitlement would be calculated pro-rata if work
started after the beginning of the leave year.
Further information about working at Cambridge and the additional benefits provided, can be
found under Cambridge Life on www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/
Equal Opportunities Information
The University of Cambridge appoints solely on merit. No applicant for an appointment in the
University, or member of staff once appointed, will be treated less favourably than another on
the grounds of sex (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or
national origin, colour, disability (including HIV status), sexual orientation, religion, age or
socio-economic factors.
Information if you have a Disability
The University welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities. Our recruitment and
selection procedures follow best practice and comply with disability legislation.
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The University is committed to ensuring that applicants with disabilities receive fair treatment
throughout the recruitment process. Adjustments will be made, wherever reasonable to do so,
to enable applicants to compete to the best of their ability and, if successful, to assist them
during employment. We encourage applicants to declare their disabilities in order that any
special arrangements, particularly for the selection process, can be accommodated. Applicants
or employees can declare a disability at any time.
Applicants wishing to discuss with or inform the University of any special arrangements
connected with their disability can, at any point in the recruitment process, contact Elaine
Murdie on 01223 333769.
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