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The Institute, together with the Centre for Oncology and Applied Pharmacology and the Section of Gene Regulation and Mechanisms of Disease of the University of Glasgow form the Cancer Research UK Beatson Laboratories in Glasgow. The Institute conducts basic research on the cell and molecular biology of cancer, in close association with clinical departments, to foster the developments of new treatments.
"We will start hiring new staff during 2005. Our new facility will have the capacity for 250 staff when it opens in 2007. We plan to create ten new scientific groups and will need people to head these."
Professor Karen Vousden joined the Beatson Institute as Director in August 2002. She moved to Scotland from the world-renowned US National Cancer Institute in Maryland after eight years.
Professor Vousden headed a large scientific group in Maryland, but she was lured to Glasgow by the Beatson’s reputation for excellence and the opportunity to work with some of Scotland’s finest cancer researchers.
Originally from Kent, England, Professor Vousden, believes the Beatson is well placed to play a major role in increasing our understanding of cancer. The professor aims to build on the Beatson’s international standing to develop new opportunities for research and collaboration between the Institute and the wealth of clinical and biotechnological expertise in the area.
She is currently overseeing a multi-million pound expansion programme at the Institute. The redevelopment will create a number of exciting opportunities for cancer research, increasing staffing levels from 150 to 250 as a result.
This sounds like a very exciting time for the Beatson?
Professor Vousden: "It is enormously exciting. The plans for the new Beatson building, next to our current site, are well underway. By 2007, an integrated site for clinical and basic cancer research will house our scientists with those from the University of Glasgow, and the Centre for Oncology. Our aim is to build on the Beatson’s past achievements and drive Glasgow forward as a player on the world stage, making a real difference for cancer patients as a result."
What sort of research takes place at the Institute?
Professor Vousden: "In general we aim to understand the mechanisms that regulate cancer cell proliferation, survival and dissemination to identify critical components of these pathways as targets for novel cancer therapies, and to help translate this knowledge to patient benefit."
Are you planning to recruit new staff in the near future?
Professor Vousden: "We will start hiring new staff during 2005. Our new facility will have the capacity for 250 staff when it opens in 2007. We plan to create ten new scientific groups and will need people to head these. Recruitment of such distinguished scientists can take a long time.
"The ten new groups will look at specific areas of cell growth, focussing on what regulates growth, movement and survival. These are important areas of cell biology, with direct relevance to cancer."
Where have you recruited in the past?
Professor Vousden: "A lot of our recruitment is done through word of mouth. We also advertise in leading medical journals such as Nature.
"A number of our current group leaders are renowned for their work internationally. They have been recruited from a number of countries, including Israel, the US, Canada, and Austria. We have no trouble recruiting. We offer very good salaries and working conditions."
What attracts people to the Beatson Institute?
Professor Vousden: "The work excites people. The Institute offers excellent opportunities for scientists who want to do worthwhile research. We are core funded, so staff don’t have to chase grants and they have no teaching responsibilities. There is enormous freedom to immerse yourself in your work.
"The Beatson is a lovely place to work. We have very pleasant surroundings on the Garscube Estate on the outskirts of Glasgow. We are easily accessible and extremely well equipped with state of the art equipment. When our expansion is complete, we will have even better facilities."
How would you describe the working culture at the Beatson?
Professor Vousden: "We expect people to work hard and to be fully committed. We want people who are passionate about their work. It is not a 9 to 5 job. The work is stimulating and exciting and has the potential to be incredibly important. We enjoy the idea that maybe something we do will eventually make a difference to cancer patients. This extends to everyone-not just the group leaders and scientists. Everyone has a part to play and a contribution to make here."
From a personal point of view, what attracted you to the Beatson?
Professor Vousden: "I came here because it was a great job. There are not many opportunities like this. The Institute is very well funded and equipped. I saw a chance to do something really significant.
"I had visited Scotland a few times in the past and liked Glasgow. The move from the US was fairly smooth. My daughter’s schooling was organised before we moved and we found a house in the village of Drymen, near Loch Lomond. It is just 20 minutes drive to work. I have the best of both worlds living in Glasgow. There are all the attractions of the city, as well as the lovely countryside.
"When potential recruits visit us, they quickly realise that they can have a great quality of life. I thought Glasgow would be a nice place to live and I was right. I tell people this is a brilliant place to work. I am biased of course, but I could not imagine a better job."
More information
The Beatson Institute
Working at the Beatson - Dr Eyal Gottlieb
Living in Glasgow and the surrounding areas
Working in the west of Scotland - NEXXUS website
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