THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
Research Assistant (fixed-term)
School/Department:
School of Life Sciences
Salary:
£25,513 to £25,759 per annum depending on skills and
experience.
Job Family and Level:
Research and Training level 4a
Contract Status:
Fixed Term
Hours of Work:
Full-time
Location:
University of Nottingham Medical School
Reporting to:
Dr Marios Georgiou and Dr Rob Layfield
Purpose of the New Role:
We seek to appoint a highly motivated individual to this research project funded by the Motor
Neurone Disease (MND) Association. The post holder will be working on the project to model
forms of MND in Drosophila. The project will use Drosophila genetics to ectopically express
disease-associated proteins in various neuronal subpopulations (including motor neurones).
Cellular and behavioural phenotypes of the mutant flies will be examined in detail to determine
which elements of the MND phenotype(s) are recreated within the models.
Main Responsibilities
% time
per
year
70%
1.
Apply Drosophila genetics approaches to generate new fly models of MND
with p62/SQSTM1 mutations. Determine cellular mutation (live imaging
techniques) and behavioural phenotypes (extensive Drosophila handling
techniques) of the models, towards delivering on the research objectives of
the project.
2.
Presentation of work at research conferences and preparation for publication
by taking a role in manuscript writing; contributing to laboratory meetings
and journal clubs.
10%
3.
Contributing to developing new ideas, techniques and methods, where
appropriate.
5%
4.
Liaising with undergraduate and postgraduate students, technicians and
biomedical scientists involved in the programme and in closely related
projects within the laboratory.
5%
5.
Dealing with problems that may affect the achievement of research
objectives and deadlines.
10%
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications/
Education

Skills/Training
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Experience

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Essential
BSc or equivalent in a relevant
discipline
(biological
or
biomedical science) - at least a
2.1 first degree or a Masters
degree.
Experience and knowledge of

general technical and
methodological skills in the
subject area, as part of an
undergraduate degree or
subsequent to graduation.
Previous practical research

experience in Drosophila
husbandry.
Previous practical research

experience in the use of
Drosophila genetic techniques.
Previous practical research
experience in fly pushing,
sexing, and in recognising
genetic markers.
Previous practical research
experience in microscopy (light,
fluorescence, and confocal).
Evidence of ability to take a
substantive role in the
development and execution of a
research project and where
appropriate assume
responsibility.
Innovative thinker with high
level of analytical skills.
The ability to assess and
evaluate concepts/theories in
order to develop original
solutions.
Excellent problem solving
abilities.
Ability to communicate complex
information clearly at all levels.
Good organizational skills
contributing to the planning and
organising of the research
programme and/or specific
project.
Appropriate level of subject
knowledge in the areas of
scholarship.
Research experience of strong
relevance to the aims of
programme of work.
Evidence of good oral and
written communication skills;
flexible independent working;
initiative; and the ability to
work as part of a team.
Desirable
Degree-level knowledge of
the molecular basis of
human
diseases
(evidenced
by
marks
attained in appropriate
modules)
Practical
experience
of
molecular biology and/or
protein chemistry
Interest in neuronal
biology
Decision Making
i)
taken independently by the role holder
Day to day decisions regarding planning and execution of experiments.
Ordering of essential requirements in a timely manner.
Preparing presentations and reports for internal review.
Preparing drafts and revisions of research outputs.
ii)
taken in collaboration with others
The overall direction and project strategy.
The most appropriate way of undertaking the specified research activities.
The best way to analyse and interpret the data from the specified research activities.
To agree what knowledge to draw on and how to apply it to develop new intellectual
understanding.
To agree which aspects of the research findings to include in a presentation or a publication
and how to convey the findings.
iii) referred to the appropriate line manager (please name) by the role holder
Any major change to research plan or strategy (MG and RL)
Informal
enquiries
should
be
addressed
to
Dr
Marios
Georgiou,
Email:
marios.georgiou@nottingham.ac.uk
or
Dr
Rob
Layfield,
Email:
robert.layfield@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to these Email
addresses will not be considered.