Research Assistant/Associate - Mapping the bacterial cell wall with super-resolution microsopy

TN United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to join their pioneering bacterial biophysics research team. This role involves utilizing cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy techniques to investigate bacterial cell wall construction in significant pathogens. The successful candidate will collaborate with a vibrant research community, contributing to innovative projects funded by prestigious organizations. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in a supportive environment that values diversity and fosters professional development. If you are passionate about microbiology and eager to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in bacterial cell biology and advanced microscopy techniques.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research using super-resolution microscopy to study bacterial cell walls.
• Collaborate with research teams and contribute to grant applications.

Skills

Bacterial Cell Biology

Biophysics

Super-resolution Microscopy

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Fluorescence Microscopy

Quantitative Data Analysis

Programming (MATLAB, Python)

Education

PhD in Microbiology

PhD in Biophysics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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Research Assistant/Associate - Mapping the bacterial cell wall with super-resolution microsopy, Newcastle upon Tyne

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Client:

Newcastle University

Location:

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

3cbd70261f60

Job Views:

2

Posted:

07.05.2025

Expiry Date:

21.06.2025

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Job Description:

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.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Researcher to join our bacterial biophysics research team. You will work in the world-class Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology to support a new and exciting project funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

You will use the cutting-edge super-resolution method Expansion Microscopy (ExM) to image bacterial cell wall construction in both the model species Corynebacterium glutamicum and the global pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. You will develop a variation of ExM to be compatible with these bacteria and then use this to measure the distribution of Lipid II – an essential substrate in cell wall construction and a major antibiotic target. You will work in collaboration with two other groups at Newcastle University and will be part of an active and thriving research environment at the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, and wider Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Candidates with backgrounds in biophysics, super-resolution microscopy, or molecular microbiology are encouraged to apply.

This post is full time, fixed term for a period of 2 years.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/

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

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

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge in bacterial cell biology, biophysics, or advanced fluorescence microscopy
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
• Proficiency with quantitative data analysis
• Experience with advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques
• Experience culturing and imaging bacteria (ideally Actinobacteria)
• Proficiency with programming languages / environments (e.g. MATLAB, Python) for quantitative data analysis

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to do problem-solving / troubleshooting independently
• Ability to prioritize tasks to meet long-term objectives
  
• Enthusiastic about working with and training students and junior colleagues

Qualifications

• A PhD (or close to finishing a PhD) ideally in Microbiology, Biophysics, or a closely related field. Those nearing completion of a PhD will be offered the role as Research Assistant and those with a PhD will be offered the role as Research Associate.

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 silverAthena Swanaward 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.