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Post doc to carry out work on cell models of Tau-related dementias

PhD

Super resolution imaging, cell culture, BQ-BSA assays, high content imaging, western blotting

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous type of breast cancer lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. The high heterogeneity of TNBC has been widely suggested as the reason for poor responses to targeted therapies. While changes in the coding and regulatory genome have been studied in detail, how 40% of the genome comprising the retrotransposable elements (REs) might impact the biology of TNBC is unknown. The aberrant activation of REs and their contribution to oncogenesis of solid tumours have been recently investigated. However, studying the oncogenic and immunogenic roles of REs in TNBC is lagging mainly because of the heterogeneity of this disorder. 

Our central hypothesis is that ectopic transcriptional activation of REs in different subtypes of TNBC leads to significant changes in expression of specific genes, a subset of which may play a direct role in tumorigenesis of this malignancy. To address this hypothesis, We need to functionally validate predicted oncogenic and immunogenic REs through the specific aims:

1) Validation of prioritized oncogenic RE-derived chimeric transcripts 

2) Immunopeptidome validation of high-affinity scoring RE peptides

BSc
MSc

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous type of breast cancer lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. The high heterogeneity of TNBC has been widely suggested as the reason for poor responses to targeted therapies. While changes in the coding and regulatory genome have been studied in detail, how 40% of the genome comprising the retrotransposable elements (REs) might impact the biology of TNBC is unknown. The aberrant activation of REs and their contribution to oncogenesis of solid tumours have been recently investigated. However, studying the oncogenic and immunogenic roles of REs in TNBC is lagging mainly because of the heterogeneity of this disorder. 

Our central hypothesis is that ectopic transcriptional activation of REs in different subtypes of TNBC leads to significant changes in expression of specific genes, a subset of which may play a direct role in tumorigenesis of this malignancy. To address this hypothesis, We need to functionally validate predicted oncogenic and immunogenic REs through the specific aims:

1) Validation of prioritized oncogenic RE-derived chimeric transcripts 

2) Immunopeptidome validation of high-affinity scoring RE peptides

Hours: Up to 40 hours (September 2024 ? June 2025, with potential for additional hours)
Training: 3 hours (provided)
Data Management: 10 hours for data comparison and reporting
Location: Remote (via Zoom)

The Widening Participation Unit at Queen?s University Belfast is seeking to recruit a Reading Assessor to support the delivery of the Reading Together programme, aimed at improving reading skills and attitudes among children with lived experience of care. The programme is funded by the Department for Education Step Up Funding and is designed for primary school pupils in P4-P7.

The Reading Assessor will be responsible for conducting and recording reading assessments using the NEALE Reading Assessment, at the start and end of the 12-week programme. Assessments will be conducted via Zoom, with full training provided. The role requires the assessor to manage Zoom meetings with participants, record results accurately, and complete required reports.

The majority of assessments will take place between 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and will be scheduled during specific times of the year:

• September - October 2024 (Max 24 Pre-Reading Assessments) 
• January - March 2025 (Max 48 Post-Reading and Pre-Reading Assessments)
• May - June 2025 (Max 24 Post-Reading Assessments)

NB: we aim to have 3 assessors in post. Each post holder will complete a third of the maximum assessment each time.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre- and post-reading assessments for children in P4-P7 via Zoom.
• Administer the NEALE Reading Assessment (training provided).
• Set up and manage Zoom calls with participants and their carers/parents.
• Record assessment data in a reading assessment spreadsheet accurately.
• Assist in data comparison and reporting as required.
• Maintain communication with carers/parents professionally and clearly.
• Engage with children in a friendly, motivating, and approachable manner.
• Address any queries regarding the Reading Together programme.
• Ensure safeguarding of children, adhering to the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Groups Act (training provided).
• Collaborate closely with the Widening Participation Unit and Queens University academic staff.
• Act as a positive role model for higher education to programme participants.
• The role's hours depend on the scheduling of assessments and may fluctuate throughout the year.

This is a unique opportunity to support a meaningful programme that helps children in foster care develop essential reading skills while gaining valuable experience in educational assessment and data management.

Please Submit CV and Cover letter with your application

Be Competent in carrying out one to one assessments online for the role. Training will be provided

Essential Criteria

• Registered as an undergraduate or postgraduate student at Queen?s University Belfast for the academic year 2024-2025.
• Experience using Zoom and Microsoft Forms.
• Experience with basic data collection.
• Experience working with young people.
• Strong interest in supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to progress in education.
• For students whose first language is not English: A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 in the speaking and writing bands (or equivalent). Proof of IELTS scores may be required.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience conducting reading assessments.
• Knowledge of the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Groups Act.
• Familiarity with the Reading Together programme at Queen?s University Belfast.