Research Assistant/Associate in Biosciences

Salary:

Research Assistant: £32,546 to £34,132 per annum

Research Associate: £35,116 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellentbenefits. 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: 16 March 2025

The Role

We are seeking a research assistant/associate with proven expertise in cryo-electron microscopy and tomography of the translation apparatus of extremophilic bacteria. The successful candidate will be responsible for advancing ongoing studies on stress-response proteins, known as hibernation factors, using a combination of biochemistry, proteomics, and structural biology. 

The project focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hibernation or dormancy in microbial species, with a particular emphasis on the protein synthesis machinery within cells. This work will involve investigating the roles of hibernation factors in bacterial cells and elucidating the mechanisms underlying their actions.

This post is full time, fixed term for a period of 6 months 

To apply for the position, we will need your CV and a cover letter outlining how you are suitable for the role using evidence to highlight how you meet the essential criteria in the knowledge, skills and experience as listed in the job description.
 
For informal enquiries contact: 

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.

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

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

•    Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
•    Knowledge of mechanisms of protein synthesis in extremophilic bacteria and in structural studies of bacterial translation using cryo-EM and cryo-ET
•    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 

Desirable
•    Training in structural biology of translation machinery
•    Training in cryo-EM and cryo-ET studies of ribosomes 
•    Training in microbiology of extremophiles

Attributes and Behaviour

•    Candidate should demonstrate initiative by being proactive and able to work independently without needing constant supervision
•    Candidate should possess the ability to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as empathize with others

Desirable

•    Candidate should be a good team player, showing a willingness to work with others, share ideas, and contribute to team goals
•    Candidate should be adaptable to new situations and challenges

Qualifications

•    Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in molecular and structural biology (Research Assistant)
•    A PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biosciences or relevant areas is required (Research Associate)

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 aRace Equality CharterBronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are aDisability Confidentemployer 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: 27953