Research Assistant/Associate in Molecular Parasitology

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant: £33,002 to £34,610 per annum.
Research Associate: £35,608 to £46,049 per annum.

The Role
We are recruiting a motivated and experienced Research Assistant/Associate with expertise in protozoan parasite transmission and molecular biology to join an exciting new Medical Research Council-funded project.

The project is focused on uncovering the environmental triggers and molecular signalling mechanisms by which trypanosome parasites proliferate and pause proliferation across the complete life cycle, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Your project will be focused on applying protein degradation, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic manipulation techniques to uncover critical signalling pathway components linking environmental signals to cell cycle regulation in Trypanosoma brucei. Once generated, mutant cell lines will be initially studied with microscopy and flow cytometry methods.

In addition, the project involves strong collaborative elements to carry out in vivo studies to understand Trypanosoma brucei proliferation dynamics in both murine models and in tsetse flies. These experiments will be carried out at the University of Edinburgh and the Institut Pasteur, where you will work with local research groups providing excellent training and networking opportunities.

In Newcastle you will join a research group working with Trypanosoma and Leishmania species to understand critical cell division cycle regulation in these parasites, and linking these to parasite transmission and infection dynamics. Here you will have access to the state-of-the-art Bioimaging and Flow Cytometry units, all housed within the diverse Faculty of Medical Sciences. Within the Faculty you will join the Biosciences Institute, a cross-theme research institute with strong expertise in both cell cycle and infection biology.

In this role, you will expand your modern molecular lab-based, cell culture, genetic modification and in vivo skills. You will be responsible for driving this collaborative study, positively engaging with other group members and collaborators, contributing ideas and troubleshooting. You will have excellent opportunity to work with a broad range of researchers in both Newcastle and internationally.

For more information see, www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/emmabriggs.html.

This post is fixed-term for a period of 3 years and it available to start immediately.

For informal enquiries contact: emma.briggs@newcastle.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.

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