Research Assistant

Contract Type: Fixed Term (23 months)

Interview Date: Thursday 17 September 2026

The Research Assistant will contribute to an externally funded research project within the John Reynolds research group, part of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences, at Aston University.

Details of research project:

Ataxia telangiectasia-like disorder (ATLD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease with symptoms including jerky, uncoordinated movements, abnormal eye movements and speech difficulties. It is caused by mutations in MRE11, a protein that plays a vital role in repairing damage to DNA. Every cell in the body experiences DNA damage daily, and MRE11 is central to a number of DNA repair pathways where it detects and promotes the repair of different forms of DNA damage. Why mutations in MRE11 primarily affect the central nervous system are unknown and is a critical unanswered question in the field. This project will attempt to address this by investigating why neurons are exceptionally sensitive to failures in DNA repair, the types of DNA damage most toxic to neuronal cells, and how defects in MRE11 ultimately lead to neuronal death.

Main Duties/Responsibilities 

This research assistant position is open either to a recent graduate with excellent potential or a PhD graduate. The post holder will support the design, execution, and analysis of experimental work, contribute to data management and interpretation, and assist with dissemination of research findings. The role offers the opportunity to develop research skills in an active and collaborative academic environment.

For any informal enquiries to Dr John Reynolds j.reynolds5@aston.ac.uk.

Please could a CV be submitted.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Hybrid working is possible for this role, which means working both on campus and from home depending on the activity. Further information on hybrid working can be found here.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities. See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

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