Research Assistant

About the role

We have a research assistant position available in our group to study mechanisms of pain in pancreatic cancer. 

Pain is often one of the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer and may worsen as the disease progresses. This pain arises from tumour-nerve interactions, where tumours both promote nerve growth into the tumour and invade existing nerves. Our goal is to understand how tumours influence nerve activity to identify new pain relief strategies for patients.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team working at the intersection of cancer biology and neuroscience. You will culture induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived sensory neurons alongside cancer organoids in microfluidic devices to model the tumour-nerve interactions observed in patients. Using this system, you will investigate how tumours communicate with nerves and promote nerve activity.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain iPSC & organoid cultures
• Perform PCR, western blotting & imaging experiments 
• Record, analyse & interpret experimental data 
• Contribute to day-to-day running of the lab

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 20 months

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro-rata per year

Informal enquires are welcome, please contact Dr Ed Carter (ec246@bath.ac.uk)

About you

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with:

• An undergraduate or master’s degree in a biological science 
• Experience working in a laboratory environment (cell culture experience a plus) 
• A background interest in neuroscience or cancer biology
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Clear communication skills
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and techniques

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us.

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