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- Tasks: Join a dynamic research team to develop treatments for skin diseases.
- Company: The University of Sunderland is a top 50 UK university with a vibrant, inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on fitness and lifestyle.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research in dermatology and contribute to real-world health solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in molecular biology techniques and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed term contract starting from October 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About The University Of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We\’re proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.
The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas.
The University of Sunderland continues to expand its research profile. In REF2021, we doubled our proportion of 4* and 3* rated outputs since REF2014, with 89% of research in Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy rated as internationally excellent. The Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing houses the newly established £5 million Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute based at City Campus, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative research culture.
About The Role
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an early-career scientist to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team as part of an MRC-funded project within the John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute. The project focuses on developing a novel treatment for atopic dermatitis using a novel liposomal formulation.
You will be part of a supportive and collaborative environment that contributes to translational research in dermatology and pharmaceutical sciences.
This project focuses on the development and preclinical evaluation of a novel pharmaceutical strategy targeting inflammatory skin diseases. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team within the Institute and School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and will be expected to contribute to experimental design, data generation, and effective communication of findings within the research group and to external collaborators.
Please note this is a 12-month fixed term contract and we anticipate the role commencing from 1st October 2025.
What You Can Bring
The ideal candidate will join a drug discovery research team, led by Dr Maria Teresa Borrello. Her group is primarily focused on identifying and developing novel therapeutics for burdensome diseases such as fibrosis and inflammatory skin disorders. The group is composed by two PhD students and a senior research assistant.
You will be expected to have experience in molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting, RT-qPCR, cell culture, and co-culture models among others. Experience with formulation technologies such as liposomes and niosomes would be highly advantageous. You should demonstrate strong organisational skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and a commitment to producing high-quality, reproducible data. The role requires excellent communication skills and a flexible, proactive approach to meet project deadlines.
Note that you will be asked to upload a CV as part of the application process.
What We Can Offer You
Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.
- Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
- Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future.
- Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate.
- Your health and well-being are important to us. That\’s why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.
Equality, diversity & inclusion
We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society.
Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us.
Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 17th August (23.59 GMT).
Interviews for this role are likely to be held on Tuesday 2nd September
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Maria Teresa Borrello email maria.borrello@sunderland.ac.uk or Professor Jane Armstrong jane.armstrong@sunderland.ac.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Assistant employer: University of Sunderland Pakistan Regional Office
Contact Detail:
University of Sunderland Pakistan Regional Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the research being conducted at the John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute. Understanding their current projects and methodologies will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the University of Sunderland, especially those in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with molecular biology techniques in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr Maria Teresa Borrello via email for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and genuine interest, and it could give you a competitive edge by allowing you to ask questions that may not be covered in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Research Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting and RT-qPCR, as well as any familiarity with formulation technologies like liposomes. Provide specific examples of your work that demonstrate your capabilities.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your educational background, relevant skills, and research experience. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that relate to the job description.
Prepare for Communication: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, consider including a brief cover letter or statement that showcases your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. This can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sunderland Pakistan Regional Office
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in dermatology and pharmaceutical sciences, especially related to atopic dermatitis. Being able to discuss recent studies or breakthroughs will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience with molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting and RT-qPCR. If you have worked with formulation technologies like liposomes, make sure to provide specific examples of your contributions and results.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different working styles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research team's current projects or future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your proactive approach to understanding how you can contribute to their goals.