Salary: Research Assistant: £33,002 to £34,610 per annum Research Associate: £35,608 to £37,694 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 01 April 2026 The Role We are recruiting a motivated and experienced Research Assistant/Associate with expertise in gene expression and molecular biology to join an exciting new Biotechnology and Biological Research Council-funded project. The project is focused on uncovering the role of the RNA binding protein Tra2β in normal brain development and how this goes wrong in a neurodevelopmental syndrome called TRA2B syndrome. We will use both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Your project will be focused on applying molecular biology, cell culture and analysis of brain development to uncover critical gene expression pathways regulated by this RNA binding protein. In addition, the project involves strong collaborative links with the MRC funded Mary Lyon Institute at Harwell, including analysis of a mouse model they are making. In Newcastle you will join a research group investigating gene expression and RNA biology during normal health and disease. Here you will have access to the state-of-the-art facilities, all housed within the diverse Faculty of Medical Sciences. Within the Faculty you will join the Biosciences Institute, a cross-theme research institute with strong expertise in genes, chromosomes and the cell cycle. In this role, you will expand your modern molecular lab-based, cell culture, genetic modification and in vivo skills. You will be responsible for driving this collaborative study, positively engaging with other group members and collaborators, contributing ideas and troubleshooting. You will have excellent opportunity to work with a broad range of researchers in both Newcastle and internationally. For more information see, https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/davidelliott.html and Elliott DJ Newcastle - Search Results - PubMed This post is full time, fixed term for a period of 1.5 years and available to start immediately. For informal enquiries contact: David.Elliott@newcastle.ac.uk Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/ Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/ As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level. Key Accountabilities Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value' Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute. May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment To develop and perform cellular and RNAseq analyses, fluorescent microscopy and molecular assays with high research integrity, to test for gene expression pathways important in neuron development, taking initiative and contributing ideas. Collaborative work with external partners to explore the role of this RNA binding protein in brain tissue development, linking findings to in vitro work. To communicate findings and developments to colleagues and the wider research community, both nationally and internationally, and write associated research articles. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development. Contribute to the shared administrative and lab management tasks related to the activities of the research group, such as making stocks and record keeping. The Person Knowledge, Skills and Experience Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills Detailed subject knowledge of gene expression and molecular biology Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects High level of analytical and problem-solving capability Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications Demonstratable experience of working in a molecular laboratory environment, including culturing and contemporary genetic modification Experience in writing and publishing high quality research articles Excellent computing skills Demonstratable experience of fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry and related data analysis Demonstratable technical and problem-solving capacity, and a capacity for original thought Experience of supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students Desirable Experience of in vivo rodent models of brain development Experience of working with large datasets and data analysis, including RNAseq Experience of analysing protein-protein interactions. Attributes and Behaviour Highly organised, efficient, and able to perform tasks with accuracy and high research integrity Engaged and capable of working well in a team, while contributing to the positive and inclusive research environment (i.e. community-minded, respectful and kind to colleagues, able to contribute considerately to team discussion) Willing to support and train junior members of the research team with enthusiasm including undergraduate and graduate students Demonstrated original thought, contribution of ideas, problem-solving ability and willingness to lean new techniques Clear communicator and active listener Desirable Interest in contributing to other activities such as event organisation Experience in driving collaborative research projects Qualifications Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant) A PhD in the research area required (Research Associate) Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 29108 LI-ST1