Research Assistant (RA) - Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery in Aberystwyth

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Assistant (RA) to join an energetic and enthusiastic team of investigators working on a new project, ‘Accelerating pre-clinical drug discovery for schistosomiasis’, funded by Wellcome.

This is a collaborative project built upon the interdisciplinary expertise of Aberystwyth University, University of Dundee and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The research programme is structured across two milestones and the funding for Milestone 2 will be confirmed by the external sponsor following the successful completion of Milestone 1 (31 December 2027).

With at least 240 million people suffering from schistosomiasis, a neglected infectious disease caused by parasitic trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and with no vaccine near clinical deployment, the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control is predominantly facilitated by just one singe chemotherapeutic agent, praziquantel (PZQ).

PZQ, however, is ineffectual against juvenile worms and, with its increased use in mass administration programs, increased resistance to the treatment is a major concern.

Consequently, this Wellcome project aims to develop and apply the most advanced tools to increase drug discovery efficiency and make these available to the international NTD drug discovery community.

To achieve morbidity control and elimination, new effective treatment options are required.

This project aims to accelerate the progression of new chemical entities (NCEs) towards clinical candidate selection and the project team will combine phenotypic and target-based drug discovery to accelerate the drug discovery process.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Professor Karl F. Hoffmann (krh@aber. ac. uk)

Successful applicants may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check(DSBC)check.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you’ll do

The appointed Research Assistant (RA) will be based in the Hoffmann Research Laboratory at Aberystwyth University and will be required to support the AU Lead PI in the delivery of the project aims, both to time and to budget.

The appointed RA will be required to work alongside the Senior Scientist, Post-doctoral Research Assistants (PDRAs) and other RAs to support the lab in maintaining the Schistosoma mansoni lifecycle, culturing parasites, generating cell lysates and genetically validating/localising putative targets.

The post-holder will be required to operate the Roboworm Platform and other associated laboratory equipment and will be responsible for; preparation of compounds for use on the screening platform, running the screening process and collecting and collating output data.

The post-holder will be supervised by the Senior Scientist and will, in turn, be required to support and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The RA will also, where required, support in the Group’s wider research, including the maintenance of eukaryotic cell lines, production of data for publication in high quality journals and assist in general day-to-day maintenance and operation of the laboratory and animal-housing facilities.

Hours will predominantly be worked during Monday – Friday, however, occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• To assist in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the parasitology laboratories and animal housing facilities.
• To perform molecular biology experiments routinely.
• To undertake work on animal (mouse) efficacy studies (drug formulation, oral dosing, blood from tail veins for DMPK, etc) using our schistosome/mouse model.
• To undertake ordering of lab consumables and supplies, monitor spend against a budget and receive and check goods deliveries and ensure safe and appropriate storage.
• To support in the assay of compounds against the different life-cycle stages of the parasites (schistosomula, adult worms, juvenile worms).
• To operate the Roboworm Platform and other associated laboratory equipment, including preparation and screening of compounds and data collection.
• To provide support to the wider research programme of the project and the full range of activities undertaken by the Hoffmann group.
• Other Duties & Responsibilities
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

The responsibilities of this vacancy have been matched to the Academic Role Profile Research 1.

Details of the role profile can be found at: Academic Profiles : Human Resources , Aberystwyth University

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

• Qualified to degree-level in a biological sciences-related discipline.
• Practical experience in applying molecular biology methodologies (e. g. cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, RNAi, etc).
• Experience in aseptic culture techniques.
• Understanding of risk assessment protocols and COSHH paperwork.
• An interest in, or understanding of, the preclinical pipeline for the discovery of next generation anthelmintics.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a research team and to collaborate with people from different disciplines.
• Highly organised and meticulous record keeping skills.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends to provide support for out of hours animal welfare activities.
• An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually

Desirable

• Experience in working with HG2 pathogens.
• Previous or current Home Office Personal Licence-holder
• Competency in delivering substances via diverse routes to Mus musculus.
• Experience in working with the Schistosoma mansoni lifecycle.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics-driven approaches in laboratory sciences..
• Ability to work autonomously, whilst still in close collaboration with other members of the group.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A1

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at

https://www. aber. ac. uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs. aber. ac. uk.

You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid Working
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.
• Please keep reading

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity.

Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities.

You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.

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