Research Project Support Officer in Cancer Gene Expression

Job Number

BU04036

School of Environmental & Natural Sciences

6

Senior Lecturer in Zoology

19-06-2026

Applications are invited for a fixed‑term, full‑time Research Project Support Officer role working in the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University. The post is funded by Cancer Research Wales. Duties will include providing desk‑based research support in the identification and analysis of relevant publicly‑available gene expression data for primary tumours and neighbouring tissues, metastases, and comparator non‑tumour tissues.

Candidates should be educated to undergraduate degree standard (or equivalent) and have previous experience in bioinformatics, especially analysis of gene expression data in humans, or in animal model systems.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible and the role is available to 30 April 2027 with the possibility of extension subject to funding. The role will be located on campus in Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part‑time basis.

Cancer incidence and mortality remain unacceptably high in parts of Wales, particularly North Wales, where multiple tumour types are over‑represented in an ageing population. Metastasis, the spread of cancer to distant organs, drives most cancer deaths, yet we cannot reliably predict where tumours will spread or how to prevent colonisation. This project tests a new explanation for organ‑specific metastasis based on HOX transcription factors, master regulators that encode positional identity during development and contribute to adult tissue identity.

The Research Project Support Officer, via desk‑based research, will identify relevant gene expression databases for primary tumours, metastases, and non‑tumour tissues and extract gene expression data, with particular focus on the Hox family of transcription factors.

• Provide desk‑based support to the research team in gathering and analysing data, including data collection, data entry, scientific literature searches, assisting in design and implementation of research, and assisting in statistical analyses of data.
• Work as part of a research team to deliver research outcomes, including contributing towards publications in research journals, helping in the preparation of materials for presentation at conferences, supporting the research team in presentation of research outcomes to internal and external stakeholders, taking part in the organisation of events and seminars to disseminate information.
• Assist and support in the administration of the research project, including arranging research‑related meetings.
• Assist and support in the monitoring of financial controls associated with the research project, including monitoring and gathering invoices for payment, taking part in research team discussions relating to budgets, entering data and preparing reports in order to monitor research project finance, and assisting in the preparation and proposals for research funding.

• Participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• Comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Policy and the Welsh Language Standards.
• Have a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. Also comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of the post.