Last Date: 19 March 2024.
The Role
You will have two broad and complementary roles. Firstly, you will collect and process clinical samples from orthopaedic procedures undertaken at the Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals. This involves liaising with research nurses who consent patients, collecting the tissue specimens, bringing them into the research laboratory and processing these by isolating cells or nucleic acids. The second role is to conduct an independent molecular and cell biology project within the group of the principal investigator (PI), Dr Sarah Rice.
The research project will involve a molecular genetics and epigenetics analysis of osteoarthritis susceptibility loci, along with the generation of ‘omics data in cells isolated from the collected tissues. This will involve the use of primary tissues that the Research Assistant has collected from the hospital. The project will focus upon the differences in osteoarthritis-associated gene regulatory networks between tissues of the human joint, to understand how biological pleiotropy can contribute to disease. Full training will be provided, and this is an excellent opportunity to work at the interface between the NHS and the university, whilst gaining a range of technical skills and making a meaningful contribution to ongoing research.
Find out more about the laboratory: https://www.research.ncl.ac.uk/ricelab/
Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/
Find out more about our Research Institutes here https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/
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.
This post is full time, fixed term until May 2026.
For informal enquiries contact [email protected]
Key Accountabilities
- Contribution to the research programme of the School/Institute under the clear guidance of a member of an academic staff or Principal Investigator
- Use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
- Co-ordinate own work with that of others, deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
- Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
- Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book)
- Work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities
- Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant fields of study is kept up to date
- Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
- Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with university policies (e.g., equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
- Possible supervision and demonstration duties within undergraduate laboratories and example classes or in teaching small seminar classes
- Undertake relevant training and development activities to develop capacity for taking on wider responsibilities
- Develop, with advice, an awareness of own professional development needs and a personal development strategy
- You will ensure a supply of tissue samples to the research group; this will require liaison with research nurses and with members of the lab who require access to the tissue samples. Once processed by the post-holder, the tissue components will then be made available to those researchers. Accurate record-keeping will be essential
- You will work alongside experienced scientists to carry out experimental design, planning and progress of a research project, including quantitative and qualitative analysis with appropriate guidance. Often this will involve utilising the samples that you have processed and prepared. Assistance with and use of computer analysis in the interpretation of research results will be provided
- Collation, collection, presentation and discussion of results with members of the Principal Investigator’s research group will also be necessary
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Some subject knowledge in the relevant area
- Good level of analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word
- The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
- The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of Biomedical Science in a laboratory environment
- Knowledge of Health and Safety in laboratories
- Good theoretical understanding of genetics and epigenetics (Desirable)
Attributes and Behaviour
- Team Working – works collaboratively with others, plays a positive role in the team, and establishes and grows relationships across the organisation where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued
- Planning and Organising – manages time and resources by prioritising and organising effectively. Sets own priorities in conjunction with the team and its objectives
- Delivering services – works continually towards achieving success through understanding and meeting or exceeding expectations
- Communicating – uses clear, concise, and accurate communication, tailoring the approach accordingly and encouraging a two-way communication process
Qualifications
- Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in Biomedical Sciences or Genetics
- May possess (or be working towards) a higher research degree
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: 26758
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