Research Assistant/Associate in Bacterial DNA Replication

Location: Newcastle, GB

Research Assistant/Associate in Bacterial DNA Replication

Requisition ID:

29760

Location:

Newcastle, GB

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Contract Type:

Fixed Term

Working Pattern:

Full Time

Posted Date:

15 Sept 2026

Salary:

Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate: £36,636 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: 29 September 2026

The Role

This is an opportunity to kick-start a new project in the lab of Professor Heath Murray, looking at single-molecule dynamics of the replicative helicase in the model bacterial organism Bacillus subtilis. The aims are to develop methods of labeling the replicative helicase with a fluorescent probe and characterizing the subcellular mobility of single helicase particles in vivo. Previous experience with single particle tracking in bacteria is highly desirable.

This project will be conducted in the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB) at Newcastle University (Athena Swan Gold Award). The CBCB provides a world-class environment in which to undertake the proposed project on bacterial DNA replication. Located in the bespoke Baddiley-Clark Building, the CBCB provides a collaborative setting with dedicated infrastructure and technical support. State-of-the-art fluorescent microscopy equipment necessary for this project is available within the CBCB.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/

Find out more about our Biosciences Institutes: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/biosciences/

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Duration of post is 12 months

Key Accoountabilities

Research Assistant

Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes

Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)

Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project

Present research as part of Theme seminar series

Present research at conferences

Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)

Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Supervise annual undergraduate research projects

Research Associate

Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project

Determine appropriate methodologies for research

Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations

Contribute to the writing up of the research and its 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

Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

Experience with bacterial genetic engineering (ideally Bacillus subtilis)

Knowledge of fluorescent protein labelling (Halo-tag, SNAP-tag)

Knowledge of DNA replication and repair

Experience with live cell fluorescence microscopy using HILO illumination (ideally in bacteria)

Experience with microscopy image analysis (Matlab and ImageJ tracking software)

Expreience with single-particle tracking

Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy

Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences

Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results

Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues

Excellent IT skills in all major office applications

The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

Awareness of the research environment

High level of analytical and problem solving capacity

Ability to communicate complex information with clarity

Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team

Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines

Commitment to continued professional development

Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology, Cell Biology

In addition for Research Associate

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology, Cell Biology

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