Research Assistant in Molecular Parasitology

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
We are recruiting a motivated and curiosity-driven Research Assistant to join an exciting new Medical Research Council funded project concerning Trypanosoma brucei parasites.

The project is focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which trypanosome parasites proliferate and transmit between hosts using multidisciplinary approaches. Trypanosomes are the cause of three Neglected Tropical Diseases (Sleeping Sickness, Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease) in humans and are spread by insect vectors. In the research group we culture African trypanosome parasites in vitro and use CRISPR/cas9 technology to genetically modify the parasites, rapidly generating mutants and fluorescent parasite lines for study. We use methods including proteomics, microscopy, flow cytometry and single cell transcriptomics.

You will have a key role in delivering a high-throughput genetic modification screen using parasite culture and genetic manipulation, robotics, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. To do this you will use the state-of the art Bioscreening, Bioimaging and Flow Cytometry units all housed within the institute. In addition to joining the multidisciplinary Biosciences Institute, you will also interact with the global community of parasitology researchers.

In this role you will learn modern molecular lab-based and bioinformatic techniques, gain experience of eukaryotic cell culture and genetic modification, and develop expertise in parasitology. Note there is also potential complete a PhD in conjunction with this post.

For more information see, www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/emmabriggs.html.

This post is fixed-term until 31 March 2028.

For informal enquiries contact: emma.briggs@newcastle.ac.uk.

To apply for the position, we’ll need a copy of your CV which should outline how you are suitable for the role, with a particular focus on the essential criteria in the knowledge, skills and experience as listed in the job description (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

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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