Research Assistant

About the Role
We are recruiting for a longitudinal cohort study to examine how the nasopharyngeal microbiome changes after starting nursery and how it predicts upper respiratory tract infections in paediatric patients. The role will involve DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing. The research assistant will be expected to have microbiology/molecular biology lab experience and to lead on all lab aspects of the project in coordination with the PI and other study team members.

About You
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant who has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology or a related discipline. The candidate must have some hands-on lab experience conducting basic bacterial culture and molecular biology techniques (DNA extractions, PCR etc) and is expected to have some existing knowledge of microbiome research techniques, analyses methods and general concepts. It will also be desirable if the candidate has some experience handling clinical samples and research data, although not essential. The candidate must have excellent organizational skills, can work independently and demonstrate excellent communication skills to ensure that the project runs smoothly. The project will have various milestones within a short timeframe and therefore the candidate is expected to have excellent time-management skills and demonstrate to the ability to set and achieve short- and long-term goals for a research project. The candidate must also demonstrate a willingness to learn new methods and techniques as required.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The Blizard Institute was established in 2003, one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 350 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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