Job Description
Job title:
Research Assistant
Department/School:
Biology and Biochemistry
Grade:
6
Location:
Claverton Down Campus, 4 South
Job purpose
The principal role of the research assistant will be to assist with mutant library
screening and to provide technical and experimental support to the lab. This means
that the research assistant will be asked to independently conduct chemical genomic
screens on yeast mutant libraries following instructions from the principal investigator.
This includes growth and maintenance of mutant libraries, experimental treatment as
well as preparation of cells or DNA for quantitative analyses, such as microarrays or
next gen sequencing. The research assistant will furthermore be expected to assist in
the ordering of lab supplies and equipment, training and supervision of project and
Masters students, and oversee compliance with Good Laboratory Practise and Good
Microbiology Practise activities throughout the lab.
Reports to:
Principal Investigator (PI): Dr Stephanie Diezmann
Staff management responsibility
None, although may be required to assist with supervision of other staff e.g. technical
staff or supervision of visiting scientists /doctoral students.
Main duties and responsibilities
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Assisting with chemical genomic screens of yeast mutant libraries
The research assistant will independently conduct a chemical genomic screen
of diverse yeast mutant libraries as instructed by the PI. This will include
culturing of mutant libraries under standard as well as experimental conditions,
and preparation of cells or DNA for quantitative analyses, such as microarrays
or next-gen sequencing.
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Procurement of equipment and consumables
The research assistant will provide a weekly check on resources and
consumables of the lab and re-order as required. The research assistant will
furthermore keep copies of requisition forms in date order and available for
consultation and pursue delayed or overdue orders.
Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
The research assistant will be asked to provide data generated in chemical
genomic screens in a way so that they can be analysed by the PI and
collaborators. The research assistant will furthermore be included in the paper
revision and editing process.
Cryo culture maintenance
The research assistant will be required to maintain mutant libraries, ensure their
proper cryo conservation and manage the deep frozen culture collection,
containing yeast, bacteria and nematode strains.
Assist with supervising student projects
The research assistant will be asked to provide basic microbiological and yeast
molecular biological training to project and Masters students.
Provide technical support
This includes the preparation of specialist media and solutions for microbiology
and yeast molecular biology.
Any other duties as is required for the project as for example participate in site
visit by funder
Health and Safety
The research assistant will ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practise
(GLP) and Good Microbiological Practise (GMP) activities in the molecular
research laboratory and that they all are carried out safely.
Keep records of maintenance and safety checks on items of equipment.
Provide and collate risk assessments forms and ensure records are kept up to
date in molecular research laboratories.
Be expected to enforce protocol adherence for waste disposal.
Liaise with relevant Department and University Safety personnel as and when
necessary.
Co-ordination of specialist waste-disposal activities and removals
The research assistant will help identify segregate and record any special
hazardous items of waste for inclusion in the twice-yearly “specials” disposal.
They will instruct new PGR students and other laboratory workers on correct
safe waste storage and disposal procedures in relevant laboratories.
Records and recording information
The research assistant will make, and keep safely, adequate and suitable
records of all monitoring activities. The records will be updated in a timely
manner and kept in an orderly fashion.
The research assistant will be expected to make and collate Risk assessment
forms related to teaching procedures and ensure researchers do the same.
Special conditions
Comply with the University of Bath Quality Assurance Codes of Practice 9 & 29
where applicable.
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Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
Qualifications
Degree in Molecular Biology,
Microbiology and a relevant equivalent
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Postgraduate level qualification
I/T
R
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Experience/Knowledge
Relevant work experience as a research
officer.
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Demonstrates depth and breadth of
specialist knowledge of
microbiology/molecular biology to
effectively contribute to the research
programme
Demonstrates awareness of latest
developments in the field of research
Extensive knowledge of technical issues
in laboratory-based science
Knowledge of health and safety practises
in laboratories
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Skills
Ability to organise own workload, with
guidance from senior colleagues if
required
Ability to handle and manipulate yeast
mutant libraries
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Competent IT skills
Tenacity – working to achieve own
objectives and overcoming obstacles
An effective team worker
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Excellent verbal, interpersonal and
written communication skills
Ability to transform and manipulate yeast
cells.
Ability to manage others
Attributes
Innovation and developing creative
solutions
Enthusiasm and self-motivation
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Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R - References
Human Resources
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