Research Assistant In Systems Mircobiology

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Newcastle University is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join our team, supporting systems microbiology to study bacterial phenotype-genotype relationships. You will operate and maintain screening equipment and work with the team to enable innovative screening approaches.

The post is part time at 18.5 hours per week (50% FTE) and fixed term until 28.02.2027, with a pro rata salary of £34,630 to £36,320 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience using robot systems like Singer Rotor, S&P BM3 platform and Beckman liquid handlers.
• Honours degree in microbiology or life science related field.
• Attention to detail with high accuracy and data handling skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions.
• Coordinate own work with others and plan project objectives.
• Present information on progress to investigators and teams.
• Write up results and contribute to dissemination of findings.
• Operate and manage screening equipment as required.

Skills

Robot systems experience

Research experience

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Problem solving

IT skills

Attention to detail

Education

Honours degree in microbiology or life science related degrees

Tools

Singer Rotor

S&P BM3 platform

Beckman liquid handlers

Job description

Salary: £34,630 to £36,320 per annum, pro rata

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 11 November 2026

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our research team to support our efforts to use systems microbiology to study bacterial phenotype-genotype relationships. You will be responsible to operate and maintain our current screening equipment and work within our team to enable innovative screening approaches. Prior experience in operating systems like the Singer Rotor, S&P BM3 platform and Beckman liquid handling robots is essential to this post.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy. We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable. Click here for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics. Click here for a self-study e-learning module on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics.

Find out more about the Faculty Newcastle Medical School here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medicine/

Find out more about our Research Institutes: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/biosciences/

Contact for the post is Manuel Banzhaf

The post is part time at 18.5 houpr per week (50% FTE) and fixed term until 28.02.2027.

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
• Operate and manage screening equipment (Singer Rotor, S&P BM3 platform, Beckman liquid handlers)

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

• Experience using robot systems like Singer Rotor, S&P BM3 platform, Beckman liquid handlers
• Expierece in doing research systems microbiology research
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree in microbiology or liefe science related degrees

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29889