Research Associate
Newcastle, GB
Salary: £33,348 to £43,155 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: 07 June 2023
The Role
The successful applicant will be part of the ongoing research into the treatment of renal disease using a novel homodimeric minimal factor H gene therapy in collaboration with the National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre (NRCTC). The PDRA would carry out analysis of drug function in our unique C3 gain of function mouse model of aHUS.
Naturally, the applicant should have significant demonstrable experience of in vivo modelling and in immunological techniques ELISA, flow cytometry and western blotting. Experience with histology would be advantageous. The applicant should be proficient in experimental design, planning and progressing work independently as well as part of a team. Proficient in appropriate scientific software, i.e. Graphpad, Image J etc. Must be prepared to work out of hours as part of flexible working to cover experimental demands.
A PhD in an immunological related field of study is essential. Evidence of greater than 3 years laboratory and in vivo based research essential.
The Complement Therapeutics Research Group is part the Translational and Clinical research Institute and focuses on understanding the role of the complement system in health and disease. Please see web link below for further details.
Fixed term post; 12 months (full time).
Informal queries about the post can be made to Kevin.Marchbank@ncl.ac.uk
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/kevinmarchbank.html
Key Accountabilities
• Carrying out laboratory work in discussion with Prof Marchbank as part of the specified research programme. This will include significant time devoted to the maintenance and handling of in vivo models. Provision of assistance to, and training of, academic, technical, research staff and undergraduate and masters project students on specific experimental techniques and the use and application of equipment
• Setting up of experimental systems and research apparatus and the development of new or improved methodology, tools and techniques. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the relevant literature and make desirable modifications, searching literature for additional information.
• Prepare, assess and collate high quality results for interpret with academic and research staff for subsequent advancement to publication
• When required, to contribute to poster and oral data presentations locally, nationally and internationally
• To monitor the satisfactory operation of laboratory equipment, reporting any defects. To carry out basic preventive maintenance of equipment in relevant laboratory areas and to designated equipment elsewhere
• Ensure correct storage and handling of bio-chemicals, biological materials and tissue samples collected from patients. Be responsible for the safe disposal and storage of hazardous waste in accordance with local rules and legal requirements. Maintain records of archived materials, data and methods for use by all related research staff
• Responsible for the care and cleanliness of certain specified common user laboratory areas and / or equipment
• As with other members of CRTG, the maintenance of laboratory stocks of chemicals, media and other consumables. Determining requirements and initiating orders within specified laboratory-ordering procedures. Direct liaison with chemical and equipment suppliers to obtain quotations for best value purchases
The Person (Essential)
• Demonstrable laboratory-based research experience
• In vivo modelling
• Flow cytometry
• Immunology methods (Elisa, Western)
Desirable
• SPR/BIAcore
• Protein purification/AKTA
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Biology degree related to immunology
• Working knowledge of: in vivo modelling (mouse), ELISA, Flow cytometry, Western blotting and tissue culture
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills; able to work to agreed deadlines
• Good IT and computing skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Independent and team-working skills
• Ability to interact with junior through to senior scientists and academics
• Ability to aid in the experimental design, planning and progress of work
• Ability to analyse data with academic guidance
Desirable
• IHC/Histology
• SPR/Biacore
• Has been involved in helping to draft manuscripts and/or abstracts
Attributes and Behaviour
• Gathers information relevant to task
• Keeps up to date with University issues
• Gathers relevant information and facts
• Is thorough in investigating an issue; “no stone left unturned” approach
• Pieces together information to identify trends
• Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information
Communicating
• Clear communicator
• Is factually correct and gives consistent verbal and non verbal messages.
• Clear and concise; gets the message across to others.
• Chooses communication tools appropriately e.g. selective use of emails and other channels of communication.
• Tailors content of communication to the audience, changing style, tone and format appropriately
• Uses face to face communication regularly; team meetings, one to ones, informal discussions/chats, briefing sessions etc
• Can hold attention of others using appropriate techniques; questioning, rhetorical questions, changing tone and pace of voice and animated style.
Teamworking
• Co-operative
• Respects the expertise and contribution of others even if own opinion is different
• Shares relevant and useful information with others
• Keeps other team members up to date with progress
• Willing to help others and share workloads
• Asks others’ opinion
• Encourages others to get involved
• Talks about other team members in a positive way
• Respects the value that different views bring to the team
Planning and Organising
• Planning and managing own work
• Works in a planned and structured way
• Uses own and others’ time effectively
• Sets own priorities in conjunction with team and area objectives
• Ensures that all activities are completed on time
• Uses systems and tools to ensure records and audit trails are clear and up to date
• Keeps work systems up to date, neat and tidy
• Ensures that others know how process and systems work
Qualifications
• PhD in Immunology or related subject
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.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 25484