Research Associate - Muscle Dystrophies

Salary: £33,966 to £44,263 per annumNewcastle 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: 21 June 2024The RoleWe are looking for a basic scientist with experience in muscle diseases who is looking to progress in their career by joining a multidisciplinary team of researchers working on the mechanisms of disease of muscular dystrophies. You should already have experience in basic research in this field, including a clear understanding of the pathomechanisms of these diseases and up-to-date knowledge on the new therapies that are being developed. We are looking for someone with expertise in running different laboratory techniques, including cell culture, staining, WB, DNA and RNA analysis.The role is to work on a new therapies and biomarker identification project for patients with muscular dystrophies. In this study we are going to apply cutting-edge technology to obtain new biomarkers that can be used to minor disease progression in muscle dystrophies as well as characterize the biological and molecular features of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) obtained from patients. We are going to test a battery of drugs with antifibrotic potential in cells derived from human skeletal muscles and in murine model of muscular dystrophy. Moreover, we are going to use cut-off technology to characterize the function of FAPs in the process of muscle degeneration including single cell RNA sequencing and 3D cell modelling.This full time post is offered on a fixed term basis for a period of 18 Months.Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.For informal enquiries contact: Prof Jordi Diaz Manera:Find out more about the JWMDRC here:Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:Find out more about our Research Institutes here: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.Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• 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 PersonKnowledge, Skills and Experience

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge in muscle dystrophies
• 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
• Experience of working with human tissue
• Experience in cell culture, especially muscle cells such as myoblasts
• Experience in analysis of protein expression in muscle samples using immunofluorescence or western blot
• Experience in working with animals, especially mice
• Knowledge of Real-Time PCR workflow: RNA extraction, RT and RNA quantification using both SYBR and Taqman

Desirable

• Previous experience with transcriptomics studies
• Experience with flow cytometry and with the preparation of samples for sorting
• Experience with R or python software

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to contribute ideas and enhancements to develop the project and further research objectives
• High level of laboratory skills, with attention to detail and the ability to critically analyse and interpret data

Desirable

• Confidence and willingness to support and guide research students and junior members of staff
• Demonstrate enthusiasm towards scientific engagement

Qualifications

• A PhD in basic science is required. It is preferred if the topic of the PhD is neuromuscular diseases

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: 27269