Research Assistant/ Associate - Pluripotent stem cells

Salary:

Reserach Assistant: £32,296 - £33,232 per annum

Reserach Associate: £34,866 - £45,163 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: 13 December 2024

The Role

Do you have a passion for working with pluripotent stem cells? Are you looking to join a vibrant multi-disciplinary team working on tissue-specific models of disease? Are you interested in how mitochondrial DNA mutations affect people in different ways?

We are looking for a motivated Post-Doctoral Research Assistant / Associate to join our dynamic research team, backed by significant funding from a recently awarded Wellcome Career Development Award. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team at the forefront of pioneering research from the very start of a project. You will perform CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in pluripotent stem cells carrying mitochondrial (mt)DNA to understand how the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes interact to drive severe neurological mitochondrial disease.

In this role, you will be based at our Newcastle Upon Tyne campus, which has fantastic transport links and state of the art facilities. You will join the world-class, multidisciplinary Newcastle Mitochondrial Research Group, renowned for our extensive experience in characterising mitochondrial function in both health and disease. The group also includes a vibrant Young Scientists Group. Our researchers work in close collaboration with NHS clinical activities, bridging basic and translational science to advance the understanding of mitochondrial biology to develop new therapies for patients and families. You will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Sarah Pickett and in close collaboration with Professor Majlinda Lako, providing you with valuable support and expertise in both mitochondrial genetics and stem cell biology.

The position is a fixed term, full-time post and available for a duration of 3.5 years in the first instance, starting as soon as possible ending on the 30.06.2028.

We recognise and support diverse personal circumstances and are open to discuss flexible working arrangements.

To apply for the position, we’ll need your CV and a personal statement 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.

Please focus your cover letter on the following key areas, outlining your ability and/or experience with:

• Generating human pluripotent stem cells from patient cells
• Differentiating pluripotent stem cells to neurons or other cell types
• Conducting immunofluorescence and electrophysiology to assess neuronal function 
• CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
• Collaborating regularly with the Principal Investigator, team members, and external partners to ensure high-quality research and the timely achievement of project goals

If you have any questions prior to applying, please contact Dr Sarah Pickett (sarah.pickett@ncl.ac.uk)

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.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

Key Accountabilities

• Generate human pluripotent stem cells from patient cells that carry mtDNA mutations
• Perform differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to neurons and other relevant cell types
• Assess mtDNA mutation levels and mitochondrial function in pluripotent stem cells and derived neurons
• Perform immunofluorescence and electrophysiology to assess function of derived neurons
• Lead the experimental planning and co-ordination of above assays
• 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

Essential

• Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
• Experience in differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
• Experience of tissue processing and immunofluorescence assays
• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge of stem cell biology
• 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

• Experience in assays of mitochondrial function
• Experience in single cell genomics
• Experience in assessing neuronal function

Attributes and Behaviours

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally 
• Excellent organisational and time management skills 
• An ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently 
• Attention to detail 
• A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others

Desirable

• Flexibility with respect to working hours 
• Willingness to travel internationally, if required 

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in the research area 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 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: 27753

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