Research Assistant/Associate

Salary

Research Assistant: £30,619 to £32,411 per annum

Research Associate: £33,348 to £35,308 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: 27 April 2023



The Role



We are looking for an experienced researcher to work on projects aimed at characterizing tissue and circulating biomarkers in genetic muscle diseases.



In these projects we are going to use a variety of new technologies including single nuclei RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics to study muscle biopsies of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and other muscle disorders, and to detect circulating biomarkers, including nucleic acids and proteins, in patients’ plasma and serum. The final aim is to identify the key molecular pathways that are dysregulated in FSHD and other myopathies to confirm them in vitro in cellular models of the disease. You will work in the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, a centre for translational research in genetic neuromuscular diseases with around 90 team members.



This post is full time and tenable for 36 months.



Informal enquires to Prof. Giorgio Tasca, giorgio.tasca@newcastle.ac.uk .



As part of our commitment to career development for research staff, 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.



Key Accountabilities

Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, they should contribute with new ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial ‘added value’

Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required

Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations

Contribute to the writing up of their research and its 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

Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop their own research objectives and proposals for funding

Involvement in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants

Start to develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

Write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids

May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities

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



The Person (Essential)



Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Detailed subject knowledge in muscle biology and pathophysiology of muscles diseases

Experience in working with human tissue samples

Experience in cell culture, especially of muscle-derived cells such as myoblasts and mesenchymal progenitors

Experience in analysis of protein expression in muscle samples using immunofluorescence or western blot

Knowledge of and experience with molecular biology techniques, especially with RNA analysis and quantification

Experience with flow cytometry and with the preparation of samples for sorting

Desirable

Previous experience with transcriptomics studies

Previous experience with proteomic studies

Experience with R or python software



Attributes and Behaviour

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

Good time management and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines



Qualifications

A PhD and experience in the research area required (Research Associate Level)

Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant Level)



Newcastle is an inclusive global University community 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 Global 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 our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.



The University holds a silver Athena S wan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University is also a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.



Requisition ID: 25285