University College London
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department / Unit:
Cell and Developmental Biology Research Department
Faculty / Division:
Faculty of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences
Location:
Bloomsbury Campus
Job type ie acad/tech:
Research
Grade:
7
Reporting to:
Principal Investigator (Professor Patricia C. Salinas)
Responsible for:
Please attach an
organisational chart
Job purpose:
None
To conduct research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to synapse
degeneration and recovery in the mammalian nervous system. This position is initially
funded for 12 months.
Key responsibilities and outcomes: (please list key requirements only % of time
with the most frequent duties first)
(if known)
1. Undertake original biomedical research as a member of a team
investigating the mechanisms that control synapse degeneration and
plasticity
2. Perform analyses of synaptic changes in vivo, in brain slices and cultured
neurons.
3. Perform experiments to evaluate synaptic changes using transcriptome
and proteomics analyses.
4. Help to set up different techniques to evaluate different structural and
functional changes at synapses.
4. Lead discussions on literature at group and departmental journal club
meetings.
5. Attend and, as appropriate, present research findings and papers at
internal academic meetings and external professional conferences including
departmental and lab retreats.
6. To contribute to the internal and external visibility of the lab and
department.
7. To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and the
department as appropriate.
8. To set up and perform experiments in close collaboration and consultation
with other members of the lab and the principle investigator managing the
project. To collaborate effectively with collaborators within UCL and outside.
9. To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments, maintaining a
permanent record of the methodologies and the experiments.
10. To store all rough data, text and reports in the lab server or as
appropriate.
11. To help draft progress reports for funding bodies to update on progress
and findings
12. To work with colleagues to help source, draft and submit funding bids as
applicable.
13. To help with the overall organization of the lab.
14. Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of
developments in own specialism and related disciplines.
15. Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed research
programme to allow for deadlines for journal publications to be met. To plan
and prepare presentations and papers for conferences in consultation with
Pi and other colleagues as appropriate
16. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over
work progress and ensure research resources are used in the most effective
manner,
17. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may
need assistance with their research
18. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over
work progress and ensure research resources are used in the most effective
manner,
19. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may
need assistance with their research
20. Carry out occasional undergraduate supervision, demonstrating or
teaching duties within the post holder’s area of expertise.
Other Duties:
Any other duties appropriate to the grade of the role as required by the line
manager, Head of Research Department or Director of Division.
The successful candidate will need to meet UCL’s expectations of core
behaviours,
as
outlined
in
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/od/corebehaviours/index.php
The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit
and purpose of the job as requested.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It reflects the present
requirements of the post and as duties and responsibilities change/develop
the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in
consultation with the post holder.
The post holder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal opportunities
and Race Equality policies. The post holder will also maintain an awareness
and observation of Fire and Health and Safety Regulations.
Subject to the regulations of the funding bodies appropriately qualified
members of research staff will be expected to contribute to teaching or other
departmental activities. At the present time this is estimated to amount to an
absolute maximum of thirty contact teaching hours per annum for full time
staff.
Internal and external relationships
Academic and other colleagues within CDB, NPP, UCL Colleagues in the field of
neuroscience, Undergraduate and postgraduate students, Funding bodies, Charities,
primary and secondary schools and the public.
University College London
PERSON SPECIFICATION
This is a specification of the qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge and abilities that
are required to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the post (as outlined in the job
description) and forms the basis for selecting a candidate.
Job Title: Research Associate
Essential
Desirable
Knowledge, Education, Qualifications
and Training
BSc or equivalent in a biology-related field.
x
PhD in Cellular Neuroscience
x
Extensive knowledge of cellular neurobiology.
x
Knowledge of high-trough put techniques
X
Skills and/or Abilities
A high level of proficiency and ability in x
designing and performing experiments.
Proficiency in the use of software required for
image manipulation and data analysis, e.g. x
ImageJ, Imaris, volocity, Photoshop or similar.
Excellent time management skills with the ability x
to expedite the progress of multiple, related
projects.
Excellent communication skills.
x
The ability to effectively present complex x
experimental methods and results to a wide
range of audiences.
.
Well-developed interpersonal skills
x
Ability to work as part of a team, while also x
knowing when to be self-directed
Proven ability to analyse and write up data
x
Experience
Proven experience of successfully applying x
different cell imaging techniques.
x
Proven experience in the successful use of
neurological material (cultured neuron, brain
slices) and microscopy, including confocal
microscopy.
X
Practical experience in electrophysiology
X
Evidence of a publication record in good quality
publications
X
Evidence of contributing to research bids
Other requirements
Commitment to high quality research
Ability to work
independently
both
collaboratively
x
and
x
To demonstrate a flexible, motivated and x
enthusiastic approach to work
Ability to conduct research with integrity and x
accountability such that the results obtained can
be reproduced easily by others
Committed to equal opportunities and the ability x
to work harmoniously with colleagues and
students of all cultures and backgrounds.
Date: 26/11/15