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- Tasks: Conduct exciting lab experiments and support innovative research on livestock health.
- Company: Join Aberystwyth University, a leader in life sciences and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: BSc in Immunology or related field; lab experience is a plus.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and learning Welsh.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a skilled, highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant to join the “Trained Immunity – Improving Immune Health of Livestock” UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project awarded to Dr Amanda Gibson, embedded within the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis, VetHub1 and the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University. The Research Assistant will support the Fellow, Post Doctoral Research Associate and postgraduate students to characterise trained immunity in cattle in close collaboration with project partners at APHA, The Roslin Institute, SRUC, UCD and INRAe.
A largely understudied concept for improving livestock health and reducing infectious disease burden is trained immunity. Trained immunity is a long-term functional modification of cells in the innate immune system which leads to an altered, protective response to a second unrelated challenge by an infectious agent, and is thought to be mediated by functional reprogramming of myeloid cells. The project aims to map, characterise and understand trained immunity in cattle, to demonstrate heterologous protection, and evaluate the impact of BCG vaccination on antimicrobial usage within vaccinated herds. A range of molecular tools (ATACseq, ChIPseq, RNAseq) and advanced cell culture models (e.g., co-culture, Precision Cut Lung Slices) will be used, along with applied bioinformatics for data analysis and visualisation.
We welcome informal enquiries about the post. Please contact Dr Amanda Gibson at amg39@aber.ac.uk. Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.
What you’ll do
- Undertake laboratory-based experiments aligned with project objectives
- Provide research support across the project, working with the Fellow, Post Doctoral Research Associate and postgraduate students
- Manage laboratory environment including equipment maintenance, stock/reagent management, orders, storage inventories and waste management
- Keep clear, reproducible records of experimental plans, data collection and analysis
- Compile, analyse and report experimental results
- Contribute to publication of research outputs in peer-reviewed journals
- Present research outputs at group meetings and external conferences
- Provide laboratory inductions, equipment training and supervision of students
- Collaborate with colleagues within and beyond the Department; attend team meetings and work with Professional Services staff
- Undertake health and safety duties as appropriate
- Commit to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and CPD opportunities
- Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade
Who you are – Essential
- BSc in Immunology, Microbiology, or closely related subject
- Experience with aseptic technique and biosafety cabinets
- Experience in mammalian cell culture (primary or immortalised cells)
- Experience in in vitro mammalian cell stimulation assays
- Experience in immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex)
- Experience in nucleic acid extraction, purification and molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, cloning, gel)
- Experience with maintenance of specialist equipment (flow cytometers, cell sorters)
- Knowledge of COSHH and lab safety procedures
- Experience writing and maintaining risk assessments
- Commitment to CPD and development opportunities
- Strong team collaboration and communication skills
- Willingness to occasionally work evenings/weekends and attend meetings
- Understanding of bilingual nature of the University and supporting procedures
Desirable
- Masters in Immunology, Microbiology, Biosciences or related subject
- Experience in primary immune cell isolation (PBMC, monocytes, macrophages)
- Knowledge of innate immune cell biology
- Experience in flow cytometry and Luminex
- Experience with bacterial culture
- Data analysis skills (R, GraphPad Prism, SPSS, MATLAB)
- Experience in training/supervision of students
- Experience in Containment Level 3 laboratory environment
- Publication contributions
- Full UK driving licence
- Welsh language skills or commitment to learning Welsh
How to apply
Applications via jobs.aber.ac.uk. Flexible working arrangements are considered. Applications may be made in Welsh or English and will be treated equally.
Benefits
- Flexible working policy
- 36.5-hour week for full-time roles
- Generous leave entitlements
- Professional development opportunities
- Pension scheme enhancements
- Staff recognition and rewards
- Opportunity to learn Welsh for free
- Staff relocation bursary
- Parental leave provisions
- Staff discounts on campus facilities
Contact
Aberystwyth University, Human Resources, Visulisation Centre, Penglais Campus, Ceredigion, SY23 3BF
Tel: (01970) 628555
Email: hr@aber.ac.uk
Research Technician in Aberystwyth employer: Prifysgol Aberystwyth University
Contact Detail:
Prifysgol Aberystwyth University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician in Aberystwyth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those connected to the project or department. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the research area. Familiarise yourself with the latest studies on trained immunity and be ready to discuss how your skills fit into the project. Show them you're not just a candidate, but a passionate contributor!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician in Aberystwyth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Technician role. Highlight relevant experience in immunology, microbiology, and any lab techniques mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about trained immunity and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Research Experience: If you've got any publications or research projects under your belt, make sure to mention them! We’re keen on seeing how you’ve contributed to previous research and how that experience can benefit our project.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Aberystwyth University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prifysgol Aberystwyth University
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of immunology and microbiology, especially related to trained immunity. Be ready to discuss recent publications and how they relate to the role. This shows your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with laboratory techniques like cell culture, immunoassays, and molecular biology. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your proficiency and problem-solving abilities in these areas.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your teamwork skills and any previous collaborative projects. Discuss how you’ve worked with others in a lab setting, as this role involves supporting various team members and contributing to group meetings.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about future research directions or collaboration opportunities.
