Research Assistant/Associate in Bacterial DNA Replication

Salary: 

Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate: £36,636 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: 04 October 2026

The Role

This is an opportunity to kick-start a new project in the lab of Professor Heath Murray, looking at single-molecule dynamics of the replicative helicase in the model bacterial organism Bacillus subtilis. The aims are to develop methods of labeling the replicative helicase with a fluorescent probe and characterizing the subcellular mobility of single helicase particles in vivo. Previous experience with single particle tracking in bacteria is highly desirable.

This project will be conducted in the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB) at Newcastle University (Athena Swan Gold Award). The CBCB provides a world-class environment in which to undertake the proposed project on bacterial DNA replication. Located in the bespoke Baddiley-Clark Building, the CBCB provides a collaborative setting with dedicated infrastructure and technical support. State-of-the-art fluorescent microscopy equipment necessary for this project is available within the CBCB.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/

Find out more about our Biosciences Institutes: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/biosciences/

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV.

If you have any questions, please reach out to heath.murray@newcastle.ac.uk. 

Duration of post is 12 months

Key Accoountabilities

Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to 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
• Present research as part of Theme seminar series
• Present research at conferences
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
• Supervise annual undergraduate research projects

Research Associate

• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the 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 own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Research Assistant

• Experience with bacterial genetic engineering (ideally Bacillus subtilis)
• Knowledge of fluorescent protein labelling (Halo-tag, SNAP-tag)
• Knowledge of DNA replication and repair
• Experience with live cell fluorescence microscopy using HILO illumination (ideally in bacteria)
• Experience with microscopy image analysis (Matlab and ImageJ tracking software)
• Expreience with single-particle tracking
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology, Cell Biology

In addition for Research Associate

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology, Cell Biology

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 Gold 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: 29760