Research Assistant/Associate in single cell proteomics in Osteoarthritis

Salary:
Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum
Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 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: 17 June 2024

The Role

We are seeking a talented Research Assistant/Associate with a strong background in mass spectrometry-based proteomics field to facilitate support for method development and in-depth protein analysis.

You will be working as member of the Laboratory for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry in the Newcastle University Biosciences Institute under the guidance of Professor Matthias Trost in close collaboration with Dr Sarah Rice and Dr Catharien Hilkens.

Your project will focus on developing sample preparation and LC-MS based proteomics methods for characterization of single cell proteomes from human joints.

You will be part of the Laboratory for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry responsible for:

The calibration and maintenance of various LC-MS systems in the lab (Bruker timsTOF HT, Thermo QExactive HF, Fusion Lumos Orbitrap, Exploris 480 as well as associated LC systems).
Development and application of targeted and un-targeted DDA/DIA methods for analysing various complex biological samples.
Collaborating with research groups to set-up mass spectrometry-based proteomics experiments.
Data analysis of various kinds of proteomics experiments including statistical analysis and data visualization,
Development of sample preparation and LC-MS methods for low sample amount, i.e., single cell proteomics.

This full time post is offered on a fixed term basis for a period of 12 months.

For informal enquiries contact: Matthias Trost matthias.trost@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 of 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

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
Detailed subject knowledge mass spectrometry-based proteomics, hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and limma-based R analysis
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
Hands-on experience with Bruker timsTOF mass spectrometry platforms
Significant experience with software used in the analysis of proteomics data (MaxQuant, Spectronaut, DIA-NN, Skyline etc.) and statistical analysis tools (Perseus, R, Python etc.)
Desirable
Ability to plan and carry out analytical procedures related to preparing complex biological samples for proteomics analysis

Attributes and Behaviour
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
Good time management and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines
Desirable
Enthusiastic, hardworking and able to take initiative

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 silver 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: 27277