Research Assistant/Associate in Microbiology

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: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum.
Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annum.

The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Associate to join our research team. Initially, there is a project to study a potential metabolic link between DNA replication and envelope biogenesis in Gram-negative bacteria in place. However, we strongly encourage our Research Assistant/Associate to bring or develop their own ideas to transition to scientific independence after this post.

In order to grow, bacteria enlarge their cell envelope, replicate their DNA and then segregate chromosomes between two daughter cells. These processes are commonly studied in isolation with determinants that coordinate them currently being unidentified. By using an unbiased genetic approach, we have uncovered an important genetic link between the processes of outer membrane (OM) protein biogenesis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and DNA replication in Escherichia coli.

The main objective of your post is to study cross-talk between OM biogenesis, LPS synthesis and DNA replication control. The idea is to use a mix of structural biology, biochemistry and high-throughput genetic approaches to determine how initiation of DNA replication is coordinated with cell envelope synthesis for the first time.

This post is full-time, fixed-term for 2 years with the possibility to extend to up to 3 years.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

For informal enquiries contact: Manuel Banzhaf, manuel.banzhaf@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/.

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'.
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.

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