Research Assistant

Aston University; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Training and development opportunities

30 days leave + 13 bank holidays

On-site gym and facilities

Job summary

Aston University in Birmingham invites applications for a Research Assistant to contribute to an externally funded project in the John Reynolds research group, part of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences. The role offers hybrid working and opportunities to develop hands-on skills in experimental design, execution and data analysis.

Applicants may be recent graduates with excellent potential or PhD graduates.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyse experimental work.
• Contribute to data management and interpretation.
• Assist with dissemination of research findings.
• Develop research skills in an active academic environment.

Education

Recent graduate

PhD graduate

Job description

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 27 August 2026

InterviewDate: Thursday 17 September 2026

Reference: 0964-26

ReleaseDate: Monday 03 August 2026

The Research Assistant will contribute to an externally funded research project within the John Reynolds research group, part of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences, at Aston University.

Details of research project:

Ataxia telangiectasia-like disorder (ATLD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease with symptoms including jerky, uncoordinated movements, abnormal eye movements and speech difficulties. It is caused by mutations in MRE11, a protein that plays a vital role in repairing damage to DNA. Every cell in the body experiences DNA damage daily, and MRE11 is central to a number of DNA repair pathways where it detects and promotes the repair of different forms of DNA damage. Why mutations in MRE11 primarily affect the central nervous system are unknown and is a critical unanswered question in the field. This project will attempt to address this by investigating why neurons are exceptionally sensitive to failures in DNA repair, the types of DNA damage most toxic to neuronal cells, and how defects in MRE11 ultimately lead to neuronal death.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

This research assistant position is open either to a recent graduate with excellent potential or a PhD graduate. The post holder will support the design, execution, and analysis of experimental work, contribute to data management and interpretation, and assist with dissemination of research findings. The role offers the opportunity to develop research skills in an active and collaborative academic environment.

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Hybrid working is possible for this role, which means working both on campus and from home depending on the activity. Further information on hybrid working can be found here .
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here .

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities. See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using ai tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represent your own voice and capabilities.