Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate
Cardiff School of Biosciences

A position is available for a Research Associate is required on a 10 month contract to assess novel sugar feeding systems for mosquitoes.  The project will involve insect rearing (involving the handling of non-human blood products), insecticidal assays, assessments of insect feeding and statistical analysis of the results.  The position will be part of a team assessing potential formulations for mosquito control via sugar feeding.

The successful candidate will require a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience and a portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within at least one of the following research fields:
i. entomology
ii. biology
iii. biological control

This position is full-time, fixed term available from 1st September 2021 until 30th June 2022. 

Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum (Grade 6). Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above grade 6.32, currently £35,845 per annum. 

Date advert posted: Thursday, 29 July 2021

Closing date: Thursday, 12 August 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

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: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment ”

Job Description

To conduct research within mosquito feeding preference behaviour and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Research

* To conduct research within mosquito feeding preference behaviour and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
* To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
* To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
* To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
* To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
* To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
* To participate in School research activities.
* To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

* To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
* To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
* To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
* Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
* Abide by 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 TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within at least one of the following research fields:
i. entomology
ii. biology
iii. biological control
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals / national/international conferences and/or other research outputs (delete where appropriate and relevant for subject discipline)
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
6. Working knowledge of statistical methods

Communication and Team Working
7. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
8. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
9. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
10. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

1. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
2. Previous work with insects
3. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Job Category

Academic - Research