Research Assistant in Vascular Biology

HIRANI; Belfast; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to training and mentoring

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A leading research institution in Belfast seeks an enthusiastic individual to join Dr. Guilherme Costa's team, focusing on RNA biology and blood vessel formation. The role involves conducting experiments, analysing data, and supporting laboratory operations. Candidates should hold an honours degree in a relevant field and possess hands-on experience with various techniques. This position offers training and career development in a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in at least two relevant techniques is required.
• Excellent record-keeping and communication skills are essential.
• Flexibility and commitment to irregular hours or travel are important.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments and analyse data.
• Present findings to the team and collaborators.
• Support research students and maintain laboratory organisation.

Skills

Cell culture

Fluorescence microscopy

Protein techniques

RNA methods

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Honours degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Biochemistry

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the research team of Dr Guilherme Costa at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast. Our group investigates RNA biology in the context of blood vessel formation, with the aim of uncovering new mechanisms that regulate endothelial cell function and angiogenesis.

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing projects by conducting experiments, analysing data, and presenting findings to the team and collaborators. You will also play an important role in the day-to-day running of the laboratory, supporting research students, assisting with procurement, and maintaining laboratory organisation.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in an active, interdisciplinary research environment, while developing a wide range of technical and transferable skills. The successful applicant will have access to training, mentoring, and career development opportunities, and will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and collaborators in an exciting, supportive team environment.

About the Person:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an honours degree in a relevant subject such as Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Biochemistry. You should have hands-on experience in at least two of the following areas: cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, protein techniques (e.g. expression, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting), or RNA methods (e.g. isolation, cDNA synthesis).

You will bring a meticulous approach to experiments, excellent record-keeping skills, and the ability to follow and communicate protocols clearly. We expect strong problem-solving skills, the ability to troubleshoot, and an interest in learning and applying new techniques.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will collaborate closely with colleagues, support staff, and external partners. You should be well organised, able to manage your time effectively, and motivated to contribute to a team-oriented research culture.

Flexibility, commitment, and willingness to occasionally work irregular hours or travel to collaborative laboratories are also important for success in this role.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.