Graduate Research Assistant

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The above full-time, fixed term post is available from 19/02/2024 to 14/11/2024 in the Faculty.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant to support the work of Dr. Fabrice Gielen and Dr. Akshay Bhinge. This BBSRC/NC3R funded post is available from 19/02/2024 to 14/11/2024, which may be extended subject to funding. The successful applicant will develop novel microfluidics methods to generate in-vitro neuromuscular junctions.

The research will be built around 3D cell cultures and microfluidic screening technologies that can select and isolate desired phenotypes. Dr. Gielen’s laboratory is pioneering technological development and applications of high-throughput microfluidic droplets, in particular for cellular and molecular assays (1-2). He is based in the multidisciplinary Living Systems Institute.

Dr. Akshay Bhinge’s lab uses patient-derived and CRISPR-edited pluripotent stem cells to develop human models of neuronal ageing and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in vitro.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in cellular biology or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. The successful applicant will have experience in mammalian cell culturing, high-resolution imaging and high-content screening.

You are excited about working as part of a multi-disciplinary team composed of physicists and biologists. You will work at the Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter which provides state-of-the-art research facilities.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99% of our research is of international quality and 47% is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

For further information please contact Dr. Fabrice Gielen, e-mail [email protected] or telephone (01392) 727457.

The closing date for completed applications is 05/02/2024.  Interviews are expected to take place on 12/02/2024.