Research Assistant Plymouth, England
Job description
Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Dental School is committed to three core aims: outstanding clinical education, strong social engagement, and world class research which all feature strongly in the student learning experience. A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The School offer students ultramodern facilities and are committed to producing dental practitioners with clinical skills of the highest order and a strong sense of social awareness. The state-of-the-art Dental Education Facilities provide a substantial service to over 10,000 NHS patients per year. Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our activities, the School is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver award recognising a commitment to champion and support a culture of participation and inclusivity and to communicate and raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion. The School is the first dental school in the UK to achieve Surgical Education Centre accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons*. The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is the core of research activity, providing a thriving community that conducts adventurous world-leading research with the explicit purpose of improving the health and care of the populations we serve.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the team at Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth (Main Campus). You will be responsible for carrying out a fixed term (18 months), collaborative laboratory project with Industry modelling the oral mucosa using a 3D cell culture system. A bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or related area is essential along with experience of routine cell culture and associated techniques such as media preparation. Practical experience of downstream assays such as ELISA, qPCR and histology would be highly desirable. You will need to perform specific in vitro experiments, troubleshooting and developing protocols where necessary. You will also be responsible for preparing, analysing & presenting data in both written and verbal formats and must have good time management, working to strict deadlines for deliverables. Good teamworking skills are also important as you will need to work well within a team of laboratory users and those working on related projects.
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Professor Simon Whawell by email at [email protected].
Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 10th July 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 18 months due to Funding.
Flexible working options including job share will be considered.
We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.
The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.
