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The role

The Bristol Medical School performs world-leading research delivering groundbreaking discoveries in basic science and pioneering treatments for patients across fields including neuroscience, endocrinology, and cardiovascular sciences.

Development of novel strategies to slow, halt or reverse neurodegenerative disease is a major unmet clinical need. One long-term objective of the School is to develop novel stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of Friedreich's Ataxia – a currently incurable neurological disorder typically presenting in late childhood. Our previous studies have shown that stem cell and gene therapy approaches show huge promise in treating this neurodegenerative condition.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and proactive individual to join Bristol Medical School, as a Research Associate. The post will be primarily based within the Dorothy Hodgkin Building; a research centre with its own core, animal, advanced imaging, cell culture, and molecular biology facilities. As the successful candidate you will work within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team, led by Dr Kevin Kemp, developing a novel haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy approach for people with Friedreich’s ataxia. The Research Associate will take a lead role in generating and testing sophisticated next-generation viral vectors to advance the work towards in vivo studies and clinical trials of gene therapies in people with the disease.

What will you be doing?

Over the project you will:

• Carry out experimental techniques. You will be responsible for a variety of research techniques including cloning, viral production, next-generation sequencing, and establishing/maintaining haematopoietic stem cell cultures. You will help assess the impact of treatment using molecular, flow cytometric, and histological methods
• Prepare reagents, maintain stocks of laboratory materials and consumables. You will source and maintain stocks of laboratory materials and consumables. You will liaise with relevant contacts and suppliers to ensure cost effectiveness
• Keep accurate records of all experimental work performed. You will keep precise, accurate and secure records of all experimental work, including all samples, specimens and materials received or generated during experimental work
• Analyse and communicate your research. You will analyse complex experimental data and disseminate your findings through writing scientific papers and presenting at internal and external meetings
• Work to ensure a safe working environment. You will ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations and local policiesg. safe working, good laboratory practices and relevant legal frameworks
• Training others in processes and procedures. You will interact with and provide guidance, support and training to students conducting research studies or projects

You should apply if

• You are excited about undertaking research to develop novel stem cell and gene therapies for the people with neurodegenerative disorders
• You have experience of working in a technical laboratory to include laboratory techniques, IT skills, process improvement and problem solving
• You have excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time, and to be able to cope under pressure
• You can build strong, effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external contacts at different levels of seniority
• You have excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate verbally and in writing
• You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward in a sustainable manner

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended

Work pattern: Full time/ 1 FTE

Grade: I/ Pathway 2

Salary: £35,333 - £39,745 per annum

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 27/02/2023

For any informal enquiries please contact Dr Kevin Kemp: [email protected]

Available documents

• School Information - BMS - October 2022.pdf
• ACAD106641 - Research Associate - Job Description .pdf