Research Assistant - Colt Foundation

Location: Singleton Campus, Swansea

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

This is a Fixed Term post for 3 years working full-time.

The project will focus on the measurement of DNA damage and DNA mutations in the blood cells of night shift workers compared to the general public. The project will utilise age-matched night shift workers and non-night shift workers to study any role of DNA damaging events linked to night shift working. The study is funded by the Colt Foundation who specialise in occupational exposures and health risks. The study will elucidate the mechanisms behind any elevation in DNA damage in those working night shifts and dose responses (duration and frequency of night shifts). These mechanisms may include the role of oxidative stress, the involvement of melatonin and vitamin D and the impacts of circadian disruption on cell biology. This project will appeal to those with a background in measuring DNA mutations in human volunteers.

Essential criteria for this role include experience of measuring DNA damage in human blood cells and also experience in managing the ethical governance aspects of human studies.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

Closing Date: 17 March 2025

Interview Date: 24 March 2025

Informal Enquiries: Gareth Jenkins g.j.jenkins@swansea.ac.uk

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