Research Assistant

Main Purpose of the Job

Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Group Leader and group members.

The successful candidate will have two main roles. Firstly, they will contribute to research that aims to develop a full molecular understanding of the formation of specialised bundle sheath cells in C4 plants which underpins their remarkable photosynthetic efficiency. The post-holder will have their own project, and will be expected to plan, execute and interpret their experiments, with advice from the Group Leader where appropriate. They will also contribute to ongoing research projects being led by the postdocs and students of the Schreier lab.

The post-holder will work independently on a day-to-day basis, and will be expected to exercise creativity and problem-solving skills, and acquire new skills as required. Secondly, they will oversee the smooth running of the laboratory. Management tasks will include allocation of lab duties among group members, co-ordination of growth space and other shared resources, ordering and maintaining lab supplies, and keeping records of nucleic acid and seed stocks. They will participate in the mentoring of less-experienced lab members, providing training in techniques routinely performed in the lab and hosting mini-projects for visiting students.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager (Tina Schreier), group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute. External: Collaborators

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Plan, perform, trouble-shoot and analyse experiments as and when necessary, providing preliminary data

40

Contribute experimental data to ongoing research projects 

15

Mentor/supervise less experienced researchers, encouraging scientific excellence and provide guidance and training on specialised items of equipment

10

Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

5

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees

5

Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures, assisting colleagues with trouble-shooting as necessary

5

Run key items of equipment providing services and/or techniques, taking responsibility for purchases, maintenance and repairs

5

Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks

5

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

5

Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence

5

Disseminate research findings and establish reputation through participation in national conferences and exhibitions

Support the profile and reputation of the Institute by participating in relevant engagement activities (eg, school visits or open days)

Assist in the preparation of research proposals and manuscripts, collaborating internally and externally as appropriate

Design and supervise small research projects for students

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc or equivalent in Biology, with plants as a major element

Essential

PhD in plant biology or related discipline - OR - equivalent experience in laboratory management

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Understanding of methods and experimental approaches in molecular biology and genetics

Essential

Excellent understanding of the biology of plants

Essential

Excellent knowledge of plant molecular biology and/or plant genetics

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring of students and visiting workers

Essential

Ability to generate high quality data in molecular plant biology, demonstrated through high quality publications

Essential

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Essential

Provided technical training

Desirable

Experience in laboratory management

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

Desirable