Research Assistant (Bulstrode Lab) (Fixed Term)

The Bulstrode Lab studies the biology of neural stem cells in development, cancer and neurodegeneration. We are also developing new technology for targeted delivery of treatments to patients. Recent grant award from Parkinson's UK will fund a Research Assistant to join the group and work respectively on: (1) 'Developing an Adaptable Dopamine Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Using the HIF Pathway'.

The successful candidate will have a strong basic science research track record. Experience in some or all of mammalian cell culture, routine molecular biology workflows, imaging, cloning, and next generation sequencing analysis is highly desirable. We benefit from privileged access to human patient tissue resected at operation and to human embryo brain tissue, and you will be applying the above techniques to state-of-the-art human model systems including:

• Primary patient-derived cell lines
• Pluripotent stem-derived neurons and organoids
• Human brain organotypic slice culture
• Isolated human brain cell fractions

Alongside the aptitude and initiative to pursue personal research objectives, candidates will need to demonstrate the scientific knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to help guide students day-to-day, contribute scientifically and socially to the lab and wider institute, and contribute some admin and organisational duties. It is essential that the successful candidate can work both independently and as part of a research team, with good communication and organisational skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan and manage your research project work and coordinate day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme.
• Already be familiar with or have the capacity to become quickly familiar with standard research techniques detailed ('Relevant Experience' below).
• Analyse and interpret research results including next generation sequencing datasets.
• Present research progress and outcomes at lab meetings and conferences.
• Keep abreast of developments and publications in the field.
• Advise based on your experience and expertise on student research questions, experimental design, interpretation and presentation in the wider group.
• Contribute to lab administrative duties e.g. maintenance of safety and tissue records, laboratory duty rotas and ordering of supplies.
• Liaise with colleagues and students around day-to-day lab business and establishing links to expand knowledge and understanding, and develop collaborations.
• Contribute pro-actively to collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 3 August 2027 in the first instance. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 19th June 2025. Interview date: to be confirmed.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

£32,546 to £35,116 per annum.