Address
Form of work
Salary:
Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum
Research Associate: £33,996 to £36,024 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 12 January 2024
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
The Role
We are seeking a research assistant (graduate) or research associate (post-doc) to join a vibrant, diverse and supportive laboratory group working at the cutting edge of translational haematopoiesis and immunology research.
You will work on the Wellcome Trust funded project ‘Somatic mutation in human macrophages: defining ontogeny and mechanisms of inflammatory disease’.
The aim of the project is to use somatic mutation to map the ontogeny of specialised human macrophage populations during development and to investigate the functional consequences of somatic mutations arising in the bone marrow, on monocyte and macrophage biology.
You will have a strong background in molecular biology and will be able to handle complex protocols to perform genotyping and transcriptomic analysis of single cells either required by a custom TARGETseq or commercial ResolvOME platform. Both methods are working in the lab and will enable you to define at high resolution, the direct impact of somatic mutation on the functional properties of myeloid cells.
You will have a high degree of organisational skill, care and attention to detail for complex protocols. Demonstrable experience of next generation sequencing protocols including nucleic acid isolation, barcoding and preparation of libraries is essential. With the help of a bioinformatician you will be able to analyse and present data relating to single cell transcriptomics. You will have a degree in biological science. A PhD is not essential but will facilitate pay progression.
The Haematopoiesis and Immunity Lab is focussed on the origin and regulation of immune responses from haematopoiesis in the bone marrow to blood and peripheral tissues. We are funded by MRC, Wellcome Trust, CRUK and other sources. We are a large friendly research group providing a supportive and nurturing environment for top class science.
This is a full time, fixed Term post for 18 months from 1st Feb 2024 ( however part time will be considered)
Further information can be obtained by contacting matthew.collin@newcastle.ac.uk
Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here.
Find out more about our Research Institutes here.
Key Accountabilities
• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
• Take responsibility for resource intensive and complex molecular biology protocols from the wet lab to the final presentation of data
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• A high degree of organisational skill, care and attention to detail for complex protocols.
• Demonstrable experience of next generation sequencing protocols including nucleic acid isolation, barcoding and preparation of libraries
• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
Attributes and Behaviour
• Diligent and reliable
• Able to work flexibly to meet deadlines
• Collaborative but also able to work independently
• Resourceful but also willing to accept guidance
Qualifications
• Honors degree in a biological science (for appointment to Assistant level)
• A PhD in a relevant area (for appointment to Associate level)
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 26482
