Research Assistant

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join a BBSRC-funded research programme investigating how immune and metabolic pathways interact to shape infection outcomes. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, the project aims to understand how bacterial infection alters fat metabolism and why males and females differ in their responses to infection.

The successful candidate will provide experimental support across the project. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a broad range of skills in infection biology, molecular biology, microscopy and quantitative data analysis within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.

The duration for this position is 12 months with possibility to extend a further 24 months (36 months total)

About You

Candidates should hold an undergraduate degree in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, biological sciences or a closely related discipline. A Master's degree or previous research experience in a relevant laboratory would be advantageous.

You should have practical laboratory experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques, together with experience working with Drosophila melanogaster. Experience of bacterial culture, aseptic technique, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and other routine molecular biology methods is essential. Experience of fluorescence or confocal microscopy and image analysis software is desirable.

You should possess excellent organisational and record-keeping skills and demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn new techniques are essential.

A genuine interest in infection biology, host–microbe interactions or metabolism, together with a commitment to producing high-quality research, is highly desirable.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

A strong multi-disciplinary focus on teaching and research. The school has well-established links with industry, offering students a stimulating and supportive learning experience. In addition, the school is committed to fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are heard and respected, as recognised by a departmental-level Silver Athena SWAN Award.

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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