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This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.
Internal Only - Research Assistant (Part-Time)
School of Biosciences
Osteoarthritis, a painful disease that causes joint destruction, that affects 530 million people worldwide. No treatments stop osteoarthritis or manage pain. Pain reduces patient’s quality of life, causing immobility and isolation. Osteoarthritic pain affects nearly twice as many females than males, with pain being particularly common in post-menopause females. Fundamental sex differences in pain sensation and bone biology intrinsic to osteoarthritis, are vastly under researched. This project will use our nerve and bone models to investigate whether joint fluids from male and female patients with knee osteoarthritis differ with respect to their effects on signals that nerve growth and function and bone changes.
Professor Mason’s research group is developing models to reveal cellular mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis pathology and pain, and test drugs targeting these effects. The successful applicant will support all aspects of research within the group. They will support and conduct practical laboratory work, as well as attending regular lab meetings, and contributing to publications, reports, and conference abstracts. The project will involve ordering, preparation and maintenance of laboratory facilities and reagents. Experimental work will include cell culture, measurement of molecular markers and hormones in human blood and synovial fluids as well as from cells and cell culture media. An ability to work rigorously according to defined standard operating procedures and keep meticulous records of data, samples, and disposals will be required.
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.
This position is part-time, 17.5 hours per week and fixed term from until 31st December 2024.
Secondment opportunity welcome - please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.
Salary: £32,332 - £34,980 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.
Closing date: Friday, 24 May 2024
External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.
Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job Description
Main Purpose of Role
To contribute to research within specialist area, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting, and recording the outcome of experiments and desktop research
- Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
- To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
- To contribute and support research funding bids as required
- To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
- To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
- To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
- To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
- To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
IMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
1. A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. Knowledge of research methods and techniques within musculoskeletal or osteoarthritis research
3. Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
4. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
5. Communication and Team Working
6. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
7. Excellent organisational and team-working skills
Other
8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
Desirable Criteria
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
2. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
3. Proven ability to work without close supervision
4. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
5. Evidence of meticulous attention to detail in performing experiments including accurate record keeping and adherence to SOPs
6. Experience of handling human samples
Job Category
Academic - Research
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