Research Assistant - Neuroscience/ Electrophysiology

Salary: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent . 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: 06 March 2024
The Role
Do you have a passion for exciting and cutting-edge neuroscience research? Are you looking to join a vibrant multi-disciplinary team working on photoreceptor transplantation into animal models of retinal degeneration? We are looking for a motivated post-doctoral research associate or Research Assistant to join our research team lead by Prof. Majlinda Lako, Prof. Evelyne Sernagor, Prof. Alexander Thiele and Dr. Gerrit Hilgen to perform recordings from the visual cortex and in vitro recordings from explanted retinas isolated from mice transplanted with pluripotent stem cell derived photoreceptors.
You will hold a PhD or MPhil/MRes in neuroscience (or related areas) with experience in electrophysiology and/or neuroscience data analysis/scientific computing. Experience in retina or vision research is not required. Check Pubmed and these relevant paper to find out more about our recent joint research: PMID: 33657251, PMID: 30681766, PMID: 30004612.
The post-holder will work under the direction of all three investigators from 1st September 2024 fulltime for 2 years on a fixed term contract.
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of . 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.
For Informal enquiries please contact Professor Linda Lako ( ).
Key Accountabilities

• Perform in vitro recordings from explanted retinas using high density multi electrode arrays and data analyses
• In vivo recordings from the visual cortex of transplanted mice using 2-photon microscopy and data analyses
• Regular liaison with the Investigators teams and collaborators to ensure high quality of research and timely delivery of the project goals
• Perform data extraction and analysis and ensure full compliance with existing ethical regulations as appropriate
• Lead on the production of high-level scientific information including analysing, writing and presenting reports and manuscripts relevant to the transplantation work
• Continuously review the literature and technology relevant to the project and ensure that the outputs of the project are positioned appropriately in relation to other on-going work.
• Contribution to the research programme of the School/Institute under the clear guidance of a member of an academic staff or Principal Investigator
• Use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book)
• Work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities
• Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant fields of study is kept up to date
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
• Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with university policies (e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
• Possible supervision of MRes and BSc project students and demonstration duties within undergraduate laboratories and example classes or in teaching small seminar classes

• Undertake relevant training and development activities to develop capacity for taking on wider responsibilities
• Develop, with advice, an awareness of own professional development needs and a personal development strategy

The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Background in neuroscience or related areas
• Experience of neuroscience data analyses/scientific computing
• Matlab analyses
• Good level of analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

Desirable

• Recording from high density MEAs and data analyses
• Recording from visual cortex and data analyses
• 2-photon microscopy
• Animal handling
• Evidence of a record of research including publication and presentation of data at conferences

Attributes and Behaviour

• High level laboratory skills
• Excellent organisation
• Attention to detail
• Quick to learn new skills
• IT literate and competent
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Able to analyse and interpret data
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Evidence of good oral communication skills; flexible independent working; initiative; and ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritise key task and meet deadlines
• Willingness to work outside normal hours and weekends as necessary
• Highly Motivated and enthusiastic

Desirable

• Experience of supervision of junior staff members
• Experience of managing/organising lab

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 silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a 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: 26545