Research Associate (RA2251)

at  UEA

SALARY ON APPOINTMENT WILL BE £29,605 PER ANNUM, DEPENDENT ON SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE, WITH AN ANNUAL INCREMENT UP TO £36,024 PER ANNUM.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to join the School of Biological Sciences to conduct research on the genetic diversity and evolution of the red fox.
You will be part of Dr Anders Bergström’s research group (https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/anders-bergstr%C3%B6m), and work on a new project aiming to understand how red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are evolving in urban environments in the UK. Cities are expanding worldwide, with major implications for wildlife and biodiversity, but the red fox is an iconic example of a species that actually manages to thrive in these new environments. The project will apply whole-genome sequencing to a large number of foxes from urban and rural locations across the UK, to study the impact that urban environments have on their genetic diversity and adaptation.
You will have a graduate level qualification, equivalent qualification or experience and be able to work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment. This is a lab-based post, and you will be responsible for receiving, handling and storing fox tissue samples from collaborators, ordering and managing consumables and equipment, extracting DNA and performing quality controls, and arranging for genome sequencing with commercial providers. You will contribute to interpreting and presenting data and results and participate in lab meetings, journal clubs and other activities in the research group.
You should have experience in standard molecular biology techniques and the handling of biological samples, strong organisational skills, and an interest in genetics and evolution. Experience in any of the following additional areas would be beneficial but not required: next-generation sequencing technology, historical DNA techniques, data analysis and bioinformatics.
This full-time post is available from 1 November 2024 (or as soon as possible thereafter) on a fixed term basis for three years and will be campus based.
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we also encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a part time or other flexible working pattern.

Benefits include:

• 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
• Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, medical centre, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.

Closing date: 7 October 2024
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure.
For an informal discussion about the post please contact Dr Anders Bergström via a.bergstrom@uea.ac.uk.