Research Assistant in Bacterial DNA Replication

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: 04 October 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 heath.murray@newcastle.ac.uk. 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 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. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 29760