Research Assistant

University of Sunderland Pakistan Regional Office; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Sunderland is seeking an early-career scientist to join a dynamic research team focused on developing novel treatments for atopic dermatitis. The role involves contributing to experimental design and data generation within a supportive research environment. Applicants should have a strong background in molecular biology techniques and excellent communication skills. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with a generous benefits package, including 31 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme enrollment

Discounted private medical insurance

Discounted gym membership

Access to online retail discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology techniques is essential.
• Experience with formulation technologies such as liposomes is advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to experimental design and data generation.
• Effective communication of findings within the research group.
• Collaborate with external partners on research initiatives.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Western blotting

RT-qPCR

Cell culture

Co-culture models

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree in a scientific field

Tools

Liposomes

Niosomes

Job description

About The University Of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We're proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas.

The University of Sunderland continues to expand its research profile. In REF2021, we doubled our proportion of 4* and 3* rated outputs since REF2014, with 89% of research in Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy rated as internationally excellent. The Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing houses the newly established £5 million Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute based at City Campus, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative research culture.

About The Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an early-career scientist to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team as part of an MRC-funded project within the John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute. The project focuses on developing a novel treatment for atopic dermatitis using a novel liposomal formulation.

You will be part of a supportive and collaborative environment that contributes to translational research in dermatology and pharmaceutical sciences.

This project focuses on the development and preclinical evaluation of a novel pharmaceutical strategy targeting inflammatory skin diseases. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team within the Institute and School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and will be expected to contribute to experimental design, data generation, and effective communication of findings within the research group and to external collaborators.

Please note this is a 12-month fixed term contract and we anticipate the role commencing from 1st October 2025.

What You Can Bring

The ideal candidate will join a drug discovery research team, led by Dr Maria Teresa Borrello. Her group is primarily focused on identifying and developing novel therapeutics for burdensome diseases such as fibrosis and inflammatory skin disorders. The group is composed by two PhD students and a senior research assistant.

You will be expected to have experience in molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting, RT-qPCR, cell culture, and co-culture models among others. Experience with formulation technologies such as liposomes and niosomes would be highly advantageous. You should demonstrate strong organisational skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and a commitment to producing high-quality, reproducible data. The role requires excellent communication skills and a flexible, proactive approach to meet project deadlines.

Note that you will be asked to upload a CV as part of the application process.

What We Can Offer You

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future.
• Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate.
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.
  
  

Equality, diversity & inclusion

We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society.

Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us.

Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 17th August (23.59 GMT).

Interviews for this role are likely to be held on Tuesday 2nd September

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Maria Teresa Borrello email [e-mail] or Professor Jane Armstrong [e-mail]