Research Assistant

Role Overview & Responsibilities

<b>Salary:</b> £30,619 to £32,411 per annum

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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.

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<b>Closing Date:</b> 14 July 2023

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The Role

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You will be part of a team working within the Translational and Clinical Research Institute of Newcastle University, under the guidance of Professors Quentin Anstee and Ann Daly.

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Pursuing an exciting new clinical and translational project studying the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to cirrhosis and chronic liver failure as part of an international research consortium. Through this research, we aim to identify new biomarkers of disease severity and novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of advanced liver disease and related disorders.

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You will perform a variety of tasks both in the laboratory and using computers under the general direction of a Research Associate. Laboratory work will involve genetics, biochemistry, molecular pathology and preparing samples for specialist processing; computer-based studies will involve use of existing project databases.

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This post could be available to existing University staff as a secondment. Staff wishing to apply on this basis should discuss this with their current manager before submitting their application.

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The post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

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<b>For informal enquiries contact:</b> Professors Quentin Anstee and Ann Daly, quentin.anstee@newcastle.ac.uk , a.k.daly@newcastle.ac.uk

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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.

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Key Accountabilities

<br>Contribute academic and technical expertise to a programme of research focussed on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

<br>Work with human blood and liver samples to investigate DNA, RNA and protein biomarkers using a range of techniques including real time PCR and ELISA

<br>Ensure timely transfer of blood and tissue samples to collaborating laboratories for additional analysis

<br>Work with database managers to extract relevant data to identify and locate samples suitable for analyses

<br>Contribute to the research programme of the Translational and Clinical Research Institute under the clear guidance of the Principal Investigators and a Research Associate

<br>To use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes

<br>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)

<br>Present information on research progress and outcomes to Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project

<br>Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination (reports, presentations, publications)

<br>Work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities

<br>Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant field of study is kept up to date

<br>Undertake relevant training and development activities to develop capacity for taking on wider responsibilities

<br>Develop, with advice, an awareness of own professional development needs and a personal development strategy

<br>Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on day-to-day issues

<br>Provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students

<br>Work alongside, and help informally, students working in the same laboratory

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The Person (Essential)

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Knowledge,

Skills and

Experience

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Experience of research with clear transferable skills and experience and awareness of the research environment

<br>Good level of analytical and problem-solving skills

<br>Good computing skills, ability to graph and statistically analyse data

<br>Ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

<br>Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues

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Experience in isolating and handling DNA and RNA (Desirable)

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Experience of histological sample processing (Desirable)

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Experience in immunofluorescence and other microscopic techniques (Desirable)

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Experience with protein analysis (ELISA, Western blot) (Desirable)

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Experience of quantitative real time PCR (Desirable)

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Experience working with human tissues or samples. Familiarity with protocols surrounding storage and handling of human biological samples (Desirable)

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Experience in working with Excel and database programs (Desirable)

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Attributes and Behaviour

<br>Ability to work independently

<br>Well organised, with excellent time management

<br>Motivated and enthusiastic

<br>Innovative and flexible in approach

<br>Strong team-working ethos

<br>Ability and willingness to travel locally, within UK and internationally for meetings and conferences

<br>Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

<br>Ability to work flexibly

<br>Enthusiasm to keep abreast of relevant methodological developments

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Qualifications

<br>Good honours degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences, preferably Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, Pharmacology or Biomedical Sciences

<br>Postgraduate research experience gained either via previous employment or during a master’s degree in Life Sciences (Desirable)

<br>Subject knowledge in a relevant area (Biomarkers of disease, Genetic susceptibility to disease) (Desirable)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

<br><b>Requisition ID:</b> 25634