Research Assistant in Systems Mircobiology

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Newcastle University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support systems microbiology projects, operating screening equipment and coordinating with the research team.

The role requires an Honours degree in microbiology or life sciences and experience with robotic screening systems. It is a fixed-term, 18.5 hours per week position ending 28 February 2027, with commitment to professional development and inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in microbiology or life sciences.
• Experience operating robotic screening equipment.
• Ability to analyse data and write results.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience working in a team.
• Proficient IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Coordinate 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).
• Operate and manage screening equipment (Singer Rotor, S&P BM3 platform, Beckman liquid handlers).

Skills

Robot systems operation

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Collaboration

Attention to detail

IT skills

Initiative

Education

Honours degree in microbiology or life sciences

Tools

Singer Rotor

S&P BM3 platform

Beckman liquid handlers

Job description

Requisition ID: 29889

Location: Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Part Time

Posted Date: 28 Oct 2026

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.

Find out more about the FacultyNewcastle 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/

The post is part time at 18.5 houpr per week (50% FTE) and fixed termuntil 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
• 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.