Research Assistant in Reproductive and Developmental Biology

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Overview of the Role

Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in cell culture and reproductive biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to work on our Wellcome Trust funded grant to understand the how heat stress associated with climate change can affect off-spring health. Climate change is one of the most pressing concerns we have. Understanding the biological basis of how this affects health of the offspring born to mothers that experience extremes of heat and figuring how we can mitigate against these are critical to ensure healthy babies. We are using an interdisciplinary approach combining novel in vitro 3D approaches to mimic maternal and embryo interactions as well as comparative approaches to determine how acute heat stress alters life-course health in offspring. The candidate will be training in state of the start 3D in vitro models as well as Omics approaches including single cell RNA and ATAC sequencing. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As Research Assistant your main duties will include:

• Establishing and maintaining new 3D in vitro cell systems 
• Writing reports, undertaking literature reviews and preparing papers for publication, with guidance as necessary;

• Working both independently and as part of a larger team of researchers and stakeholders;

• Supporting research activities, including contributing to research results and outputs and to the generation of independent and original ideas, ensuring a successful programme of investigation;

• Conducting interviews, collating and analysing data;

• Participating in the research group and presenting research output where appropriate;

• Contributing to the research culture of the School, where appropriate;

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Niamh Forde, Professor of Molecular Reproductive Biosciences

Email: [email protected]

Additional Information
Working at Leeds 

We are a campus based community and regular interaction with campus is an expectation of all roles in line with academic and service needs and the requirements of the role.  We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Leeds area visit our Working at Leeds information page. 

Information for disabled candidates

Information for disabled candidates, impairments or health conditions, including requesting alternative formats, can be found on our Accessibility information page or by getting in touch with us at [email protected]

Criminal Records

A criminal record check is not required for this position. However, all applicants will be required to declare if they have any ‘unspent’ criminal offences, including those pending.

Any offer of appointment will be in accordance with our Criminal Records policy. You can find out more about required checks and declarations in our Criminal Records information page.

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Medicine & Health
School/Institute:  Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM)
Section:  Discovery and Translational Science Department (DTSD)
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 6
Salary:  £30,487 to £36,024 per annum
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (2 years - to complete a specific task or time limited work, including the need for specific expertise or additional resource for a project)
Release Date:  Tuesday 09 January 2024
Closing Date:  Tuesday 23 January 2024
Reference:  MHLCM1348
Further details: