At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research on social behaviours in fruit flies and manage lab operations.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a top-ranked research institution.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holidays, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in groundbreaking research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biological or biomedical fields required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, you will support the Principal Investigator, Dr Clara Ferreira, in delivery of research activity on the BBSRC-funded project SoBe – SOcial modulation of defence BEhaviours, which uses Drosophila melanogaster to uncover the neurobiological basis of the 'safety in numbers' effect. Alongside pursuing your own programme of research within the project, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the laboratory, working closely with the Principal Investigator and the wider team.
Please note this is a fixed term contract up to September 2031.
This Research Project is being delivered within the School of Geography and Natural Sciences, part of the Faculty of Science and Environment. You will join Assistant Professor Clara Ferreira’s research group, funded by a BBSRC New Investigator award, joining two PhD students and a PDRA, and working in close collaboration with Associate Professor Wolf Huetteroth's fly research group.
Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (BSc or equivalent) in biological or biomedical fields such as neuroscience, genetics, evolution, ecology, ethology, or invertebrate research. This is a hands-on, lab-based role involving care of living fly colonies, including handling and anaesthetising flies, performing behavioural experiments and preparing (cooking and pouring) culture medium, for which full training will be provided, and reasonable adjustments will be considered where needed.
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Senior Research Assistant in BioSciences in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Northumbria University
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and excellent pension schemes, all within a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Join us in Newcastle upon Tyne, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
