Research Assistant in Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers

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.

The Role
The role of a Research Assistant within the Clinical Ageing Research Unit is suitable for highly motivated enthusiastic individuals, with a purpose to recruit to one of the largest longitudinal studies in Parkinson's disease in a world leading research facility. The position is unique to the unit and ideal for those with experience in Parkinson's disease who are wishing to further develop their career in Parkinson's disease.

You will be involved in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), Sponsored by The Michael J Fox Foundation. The objective of the study is to identify clinical, imaging and biological markers of Parkinson's disease presence and track progression for use in clinical trials of disease modifying therapies.

You will attend Movement Disorder Clinics and local Parkinson's support groups to boost and sustain recruitment. You will assist in the identification of individuals with Parkinson's disease or/and those of high risk.

We are committed to the professional career development of all our colleagues. You will benefit from a range of excellent development opportunities. The post could provide an excellent platform for a higher degree (PhD), if you wish to do so.

We benefit from a modern executive office environment at the heart of the University and Newcastle city centre.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will be sought. It is important to note working on site is non-negotiable. The position is a fixed term full time post working across 5 days.

You will maintain close working relationships with the existing network of Movement Disorder team to facilitate recruitment of possible participants. You will also have close contact with staff at uMed, a company that automates the matching of relevant participant cohorts. The successful candidate will be tasked with contacting local general practitioners to make them aware of the PPMI study. You will also contribute to retention activities and admin related burden related to the site being the UK leading site assisting with and corresponding with ethical approval committees. Although working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, the post holder will contribute ideas and enhancements to the methodological aspects of the study providing substantial and added value to the research.

The post is available on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 12 months.

For informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Prof. Nicola Pavese nicola.pavese@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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