Research Assistant in Collagen Cell Biology

at  Durham University

Research Assistant in Collagen Cell Biology (Job Number: 25000081)
Department of Biosciences
Grade 6: - £30,505 - £36,924 per annum / per annum (Pro Rata)
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 18-Feb-2025, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

The Bioimaging facility within Biosciences has a wide array of imaging technologies supporting all areas of research and teaching with a userbase of over 150 users across 17 technologies. This dynamic facility is currently continuing to expand with new cutting edge imaging instrumentation to meet the growing research needs of the department and remain at the forefront of national bioimaging support.
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in collagen cell biology, with a particular emphasis on advanced bioimaging. The research project is funded by a Medical Research Council Impact Acceleration Award and will build upon our collagen imaging work with our industry partner P&G. Using advanced imaging technologies, including Lattice lightsheet, the project will drive further impact from this work by screening new compounds and translating this technology to the study of collagenopathies and fibrosis models enabling the identification of new therapeutics for fibrosis conditions.
The successful applicant will be expected to culture a range primary human cells in 2D and simple 3D conditions, transfect these with fluorescent markers and image across advanced imaging modalities.

Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research and industry partners in a clear and accurate manner.
• To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 1 year duration as supported by the MRC IAA award.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by March 2025.