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.
This 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.

Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

Closing date for applications: 19th June 2026

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Dr John Mulley j.mulley@bangor.ac.uk

Committed to Equal Opportunities

Overview

The College of Science and Engineering at Bangor University is one of the leading centres in the UK for teaching and research in a range of science subjects. With over 2,500 students and 350 academic, technical and administrative staff, the College consists of three academic schools: Environmental and Natural Sciences; Ocean Sciences; and Computer Science & Electronic Engineering.

The School of Environmental and Natural Sciences conducts world-leading research and teaching across a diverse range of topics including biology, zoology, forestry, geography, agriculture and conservation. With Bangor University being based in stunning North Wales the school is the obvious choice for students and researchers interested in the natural world and environment. Alongside having the forests and mountains of Snowdonia, and the cliffs and sandy beaches of Anglesey on our doorstep, the School of Natural Sciences also boasts cutting-edge laboratories and analysis equipment, a botanic garden, research farm, animal care facilities, aquariums, growth rooms and greenhouses, and a natural history museum.

The Project

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.

Purpose of the Job

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.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To provide desk-based support to the research team in the gathering and analysis of data, including data collection, data entry, scientific literature searches, assisting in design and implementation of research, and assisting in statistical analyses of data.
To 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.
To assist and support in the administration of the research project, including arranging research related meetings.
To assist and support in the monitoring of financial controls associated with the research project. This might include 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, assisting in the preparation and proposals for research funding.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
The post holder will be expected to 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.
The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must 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. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

Undergraduate degree in a relevant biological science.

Desirable

Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject area.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

Experience in bioinformatic analyses of gene expression data.
Experienced in the gathering and analysis of data, including data collection, data entry, scientific literature searches, assisting in design and implementation of research, and assisting in statistical analyses of data.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and interest in specific areas related to the post.

Desirable

Analysis of cancer gene expression data, or human gene expression data more generally.
Familiarity with cancer biology and cancer gene expression databases.

Skills/Abilities

Essential

Good verbal and written skills.
Excellent computer skills, including use of R and/or Python.
Ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.
Good analytical skills and present results appropriately.
Ability to work as part of a team.
No specific Welsh language requirement. Candidates will be expected to work positively in a bilingual environment.

Desirable

Familiarity with High Performance Computing infrastructure and Linux environments.

General

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.

Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

Connect with a cause that needs you!

Research Project Support Officer in Cancer Gene Expression