Job description
 
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Developmental Epigenetics Group in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics. The group focuses on understanding early life events that programme metabolic health for the lifetime. Within this broad topic we study genetic and environmental causes of pregnancy complications, and lifelong effects of an adverse early life environment for the offspring. Our lab integrates mouse genetics, epigenetics, maternal physiology and metabolomics to try to understand programming phenomena at multiple levels.   
 
The post-holder will undertake research to build on our existing programme which seeks to understand how adipose stem cells are formed during development, and how they contribute to fat storage over the lifecourse. The group has generated considerable physiological and transcriptomics data from animal models where the process of adipose development is impaired. The post holder will build on these data to validate new candidate pathways and processes, using a combination of bioinformatics, immunohistochemistry, in-vivo physiology and genetic cell labelling approaches. 
 
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 7 months 
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities
Both RA and PDRA 
•         Perform experiments to explore gene regulatory networks that define adipose stem cell populations. 
•         Present data at regular group meetings within the Department of MMG. 
•         Support the training of undergraduate and postgraduate project students. 
•         Interact scientifically with other members of the group and departmental colleagues. 
•         Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for journal publication. 
•         Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed research schedule; co-ordinate own work with that of others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort; contribute to the planning and implementation of research projects. 
Research Assistant: 
•         Support the technical aspects of the smooth running of the lab Including stock maintenance, reagent preparation and genotyping animal stocks. 
Research Associate: 
•         Take the intellectual lead the project and help drive the laboratory research programme in adipose stem cell biology. 
•         Contribute to the integration and collaboration of research project with other branches of the department and with external collaborators  
 
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  
 
Skills, knowledge, and experience 
 
Essential criteria Research Assistant  
 
1.       Bachelors and/or Masters degree at upper second level or above in a biomedical subject. 
2.       Laboratory experience in molecular techniques. 
3.       Motivated and hard-working  
4.       Ability to learn new techniques/skills on the job  
5.       Ability to integrate with colleagues and work as part of a team  
6.       Ability to work under reduced supervision  
7.       Reliable and conscientious approach to duties  
8.       Willing to undertake share of group tasks  
9.       Experience of previous, self-directed research. 
 
Desirable criteria Research Assistant
 
1.       Computational programming skills (R, Python or similar)  
2.       Experience with Immunohistochemistry/In vivo physiology/flow cytometry. 
3.       Knowledge of molecular genetics/epigenetics/developmental biology. 
 
Essential criteria Research Associate  
 
1.       PhD awarded in relevant subject area (bioinformatics, genetics, developmental biology, cell biology)  
2.       Laboratory experience in molecular techniques. 
3.       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to communicate complex ideas to non-specialists  
4.       Track record of published papers 
5.       Motivated and hard-working  
6.       Ability to learn new techniques/skills on the job  
7.       Ability to integrate with colleagues and work as part of a team  
8.       Ability to work under reduced supervision  
9.       Reliable and conscientious approach to duties  
10.   Willing to undertake share of group tasks  
 
Desirable criteria Research Associate
 
1.       Computational programming skills (R, Python or similar)  
2.       Experience with Immunohistochemistry/In vivo physiology/flow cytometry. 
3.       Knowledge of molecular genetics/epigenetics/developmental biology. 
4.    HO training for the use of in-vivo models. 
 
* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 
 
Further information
 
Candidates who are successfully shortlisted based on their application form and CV will be invited to interview, which will include a short presentation to be prepared in advance.  
This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance