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Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £31,396.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2026

Closing date: 10th September 2023

Background

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection and analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research group.

Role Summary

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to support the research activities of the Rezaval lab at the University of Birmingham ( https://www.rezavallab.org/ ). The post-holder will be an active research member, conducting individual research as directed by Dr Rezaval, and assisting her research group with experimental procedures, thus contributing to delivering on project aims and providing input into future directions of designated research projects.

The successful applicant will be required to work closely with members of the Rezaval lab providing day-to-day support by carrying out molecular biology methods, immunohistochemistry, behaviour, microscopy and Drosophila genetics, as well as aiding with routine fly work. They will also be responsible for maintenance of the laboratory’s collection of Drosophila stocks, and for supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory.

The post-holder will need to have excellent organisational and research skills, a proven ability to work well with others and a positive attitude to learning and troubleshooting new methods. The successful candidate must have a demonstrable academic interest in biological sciences/neuroscience and high motivation and commitment to do research. While experience working with Drosophila would be an advantage, training will be provided as required.

Main Duties

• To carry out experiments under the guidance of the group leader, which might include: Husbandry of fruit-flies (Drosophila), Genetics, Dissections of the Drosophila nervous system, Antibody stainings, Microscopy, Behaviour and Molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, CRISPR/Cas9, etc).
• Work to deadlines and providing consistent results delivery.
• Analysing and presenting data / work in the form of short written reports or orally within the group at internal meetings.
• Maintaining records both paper and computer based as appropriate. Store, curate and back-up data to prevent data loss.
• Organise, back up and curate research data (e.g. in university server, external drives, etc).
• Learn new methods/techniques, trouble-shoot and contribute to developing new techniques and methods to deliver on project aims.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts, for example at regular group meetings, seminars and as platform or poster presentations in internal and external workshops and conferences.
• Prepare findings for publication, e.g. by producing figures, and writing up experimental results which would occasionally contribute to small sections (methodology, tables) of publications.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Provide training, support and guidance to junior members of staff and/or students, e.g. PhD, master’s and undergraduate lab project students, when required.
• Adopt safe working practices.

Person Specification

• First degree or equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate science subject (e.g. Life Sciences/Biological Sciences/Genetics/Cell Biology/Neuroscience/ Biochemistry or related disciplines).
• Proven laboratory work experience.
• Practical knowledge of technical and scientific methods.
• Understanding of fundamental biological concepts and numeracy essential to carry out the research.
• Ability to carry out, perfect and learn further laboratory techniques to deliver competently on project aims.
• Ability to receive, clarify and respond to work instructions / direction with an appropriate and timely result, identifying and resolving issues where necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/ requirements.
• Ability to organise and manage time effectively and efficiently, progress tasks concurrently, demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/ requirements, and work to tight time schedules / deadlines.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Ability to support, train or supervise others in laboratory methods (e.g. undergraduate students).
• Ability to work supportively and collaboratively through knowledge-sharing and the coaching / training of less experienced colleagues.
• Ability to respond appropriately and co-operatively to changes, new responsibilities, challenges and conflicting demands.
• Ability to apply relevant personal knowledge, skills and expertise to resolve technical issues.
• Ability to find and use relevant learning opportunities to identify and potentially suggest ways of improving processes or results.
• Ability to identify, diagnose and seek solutions to problems that may occur in the role.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• Familiar with good laboratory techniques, practices and safety requirements.
• Willingness to take on and complete appropriate additional training as required.
• Experience with the use of word processing, spreadsheet and database software packages.

Desirable:

• MSc degree or equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate Life Sciences discipline (e.g. Life Sciences/Biological Sciences/Genetics/Cell Biology/Neuroscience/ Biochemistry or related disciplines).
Experience working with Drosophila.

Informal enquires to Carolina Rezaval, email: [email protected]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.