Research Associate (genomics)

Newcastle University; North East; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a motivated molecular scientist to join their research team focusing on mitochondrial disorders. The role involves designing experiments, data analysis, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Candidates should hold a PhD and have experience in molecular biology techniques. This full-time position offers competitive salary and excellent benefits in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Experience with molecular and cellular techniques.
• High level analytical ability with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments to study mitochondrial disorders.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve project goals.
• Contribute to grant applications and write research findings.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Cellular biology techniques

Analytical skills

Problem-solving capability

Education

PhD in relevant research area

Job description

Salary: £35,116 to £45,413 per annum

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: 29 August 2025



The Role


We are seeking a motivated molecular scientist to join our team investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial disorders at the Life Arc Centre for Rare Mitochondrial Diseases lifearc/project/lifearc-translational-centres-for-rare-diseases/. The role involves designing and performing laboratory experiments, including molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g. proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics in patient-derived tissues and cells), data analysis, and interpretation. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to integrate findings with clinical data. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset. Experience with cell culture, functional assays, genomic editing and imaging techniques is desirable.

The position is full-time and available for a duration of 4 years, starting as soon as possible. We recognise and support diverse personal circumstances and are open to discuss flexible working arrangements.

For informal enquiries contact:

Professor Robert Taylor at # ://ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/roberttaylor.html

Professor Gavin Hudson at # ://ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/gavinhudson.html

Dr Sarah Pickett at # ://ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/sarahpickett.html

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

Find out more about our Research Institutes here:
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

-Designing and implementing experiments to investigate the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial genetic disease
-Performing a suite of molecular biology and cellular techniques
-Interpreting results and communicating these within an interdisciplinary team
-Collaborating regularly with other team members and external partners to ensure high-quality research and the timely achievement of project goals
-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

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

-Experience of a range of molecular biology techniques
-Experience of a range of cellular biology techniques
-High level analytical ability with attention to detail
-Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
-Detailed subject knowledge in the area of disease mechanisms
-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

Desirable

-Experience of genome editing
-Experience in generating iPSC-based disease models
-Experience of contributing to and advising on experimental design, analysis and interpretation of results across project teams


Attributes and Behaviour

-Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally
-Excellent organisational and time management skills
-An ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently
-Attention to detail
-A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others

Desirable

-Flexibility with respect to working hours
-Willingness to travel internationally, if required


Qualifications

-A PhD in the research area required


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 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.

Requisition ID: 28330