Graduate Research Assistant

College of Medicine and Health

(Molecular Genetics -Monogenic)

This new full-time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until March 30th 2024.

Summary of the role

We are seeking a highly motivated full time graduate research assistant to join the Functional Genomic laboratory led by Prof Mattia Frontini at the College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter. You will be part of a group of researchers whose goal is to determine the functional mechanisms underpinning the influence of genetic variation in cardiovascular disease.

The post holder will be responsible to grow, differentiate and genome edit induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), as well as, subjecting them to a variety of functional assays. The post holder will also be responsible for the laboratory readiness and efficiency which include, but are not limited to: monitoring and restocking reagents, liaise with service providers (different -omics platforms), ensure that all equipment is well maintained or repaired in a timely fashion and maintain health and safety records. You will help to coordinate and will participate in the laboratory activities pivoting around sample collection, cell culture, sample preparation, medium throughput functional assays and sample preparation for next generation sequencing.

Flexibility regarding work hours is necessary depending on sample availability, including occasional weekend work and frequent travel within the United Kingdom.

Essential skills:

• BSc or equivalent experience in Genetics, Molecular Biology or Developmental Biology.
• Adaptable, enthusiastic and approachable, team oriented, highly organised, quality orientated and able to work under pressure.
• Methodical with strong attention to detail with effective written and oral communication skills and familiar with common software packages (Office package or similar)
• Previous extensive experience in cell culture is required.

Additional skills regarded as advantageous:

• Previous experience with iPSC maintenance in culture.
• Previous experience with iPSC differentiation protocols.
• Previous experience with cellular functional assays.
• Previous experience with the Diagenode IP Star system.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available till March 2024.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

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

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 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

The College of Medicine and Health is proud to have a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment and impact to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects.  Our Inspiring Stories tell you more about how we support our staff, including through a mentoring programme to help our staff learn from the professional and life experience of colleagues and explore opportunities and actions for career progression. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 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), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Contact Mattia Frontini, email [email protected]