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- Tasks: Join our diabetes research team to analyse stem-cell derived pancreatic islets.
- Company: Newcastle University is a leading global institution committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health initiatives, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diabetes research while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: A good honours degree in cell biology or biomedical sciences is required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 12 months with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 29000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Research Assistant (Islet Biology) role at Newcastle University
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Research Assistant (Islet Biology) role at Newcastle University
Salary: £33,002 to £34,610 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . 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: 04 September 2025
The Role
We are seeking a motivated researcher to join our diabetes research group on a project focussing on assessing the impact of cryopreservation on stem-cell derived pancreatic islets.
In this role, you will be part of a larger validation study exploring the accessibility of stem-cell derived islets in the UK. The project will involve in vitro analysis of cryopreserved stem-cell derived islets and will include readouts such as viability, function, morphology and cellular health. The workplan will also involve in vitro culture of stem-cell derived islets, human pancreatic beta-cells lines and isolated human islets. The project is ideally suited to candidates with a background in islet biology, especially those with expertise in human beta-cell/islet culture.
This post is fixed term for a period of 12 Months.
If you have any queries, please reach out to Catherine.Arden@newcastle.ac.uk or Bill.Scott3@newcastle.ac.uk.
Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/
Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. 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
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 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
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- Some subject knowledge in pancreatic islet biology
- 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
- Skills in culturing of primary human tissue
- Expertise in methods for assessing islet function
- Expertise in methods for assessing viability and morphology
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy and downstream analysis
Attributes and Behaviour
- Enthusiastic, well-motivated and hard working
- Able to communicate effectively at all levels
- Willingness to work outside normal office hours on occasion if required
- Able to analyse and interpret data
- Able to prioritise key task and meet deadlines
Qualifications
- Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the area of cell biology / biomedical sciences
- May possess (or be working towards) a higher research degree
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 Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident 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: 28524
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Research Assistant (Islet Biology) employer: Newcastle University
Contact Detail:
Newcastle University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Islet Biology)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in islet biology and cryopreservation techniques. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of diabetes research, particularly those who have experience with stem-cell derived pancreatic islets. Attend relevant seminars or workshops to make connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your practical skills in culturing human tissues and assessing islet function. Consider setting up a mock lab session with peers to practice explaining your methods and results clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences and their ongoing projects. Being knowledgeable about their work can help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to their research goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Islet Biology)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in islet biology and any specific skills related to pancreatic islet culture. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that explains your motivation for applying to Newcastle University and how your background aligns with their research goals. Be specific about your experience with cryopreservation and in vitro analysis.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information clearly. Mention any experience you have with fluorescence microscopy and assessing islet function.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Islet Biology
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pancreatic islet biology. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques related to islet culture and function assessment, as this will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
During the interview, highlight your analytical skills by discussing past research experiences where you interpreted complex data. Use examples that showcase your ability to draw conclusions and solve problems creatively.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration. Think of instances where you successfully worked with others in a research setting, and be ready to explain how you coordinated efforts to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in research, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain your research findings in a way that is understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences.
