JOB SUMMARY FORM
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Genetics
Post Responsible To:
(Please attach an organisational chart)
Job Purpose:
To develop and carry out own research whilst contributing as a team member to a wider research
programme.
Principal Accountabilities (Responsibilities):
% Time
The Research Associate will be expected to take a leading role in experimental design and
determining the direction of the program in line with reaching the research goals of the
research project developing their independent research and providing guidance to the other
members of the team. Specifically, the Research Associate will be expected:
to develop and carry out an independent original research programme, giving guidance
to other members of the team
to plan and carry out the work programme for own research contribution, using
methodology and techniques appropriate to this type of research
40
To contribute to directing the work of the team (i.e the PhD student and the technician)
including prioritisation of tasks
10
Writing up research findings for dissemination amongst the research team and broader
international community
5
Analysis of data and extrapolation of new themes/ strands in area of research
10
To take a lead in presenting results at scientific meetings in the UK and overseas
5
To participate in general laboratory activities to ensure the efficient functioning of the lab
10
To adhere to health and safety procedures affecting self and others at all times and to help
the lab safety officer enforcing good safety practice in the lab
5
To assist with the training of new members of the lab, including undergraduate students
and work experience trainees
10
To undertake such duties consistent with the grade of the post as may be reasonably
required
5
Resources Managed / Facts and Figures:
Purchase of consumables and materials required for the research. Will assist in purchasing of the
equipment required to the value of £10,000
May 2007
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Internal and External Relationships:
Academic group leader regarding progress of the project, daily.
Academics, postdocs, postgrads. and technicians within the laboratory to liaise on a daily basis
regarding availability of equipment and materials, exchange of information.
Other members of the department for critical discussion of the research and exchange of new ideas and
approaches that might benefit the research.
Planning and Organising:
Plan research activity as outlined in the project proposal and coordinate the work of a research
technician and PhD student.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience (Indicate which are essential and which are desirable):
Minimum Requirements for Teaching and Research Family Level 7:
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Technical, technology/engineering or scientific degree.
Full understanding of a broad and/or complex technical or scientific field.
For supervisory roles - supervisory/management experience and a qualification in
management of ONC or above.
Financial training to manage budgets where appropriate.
In possession of or working towards a professional qualification.
Additional Requirements for Job:
Essential
 *PhD in Genetics or related subject
 *Experience in standard techniques of molecular biology and genomics
 Evidence of research productivity (e.g. research publications in peer review journals,
presentations, etc)
 Evidence of involvement in innovative research
 *Knowledge of research field
 *Experience in research field.
(*Criteria to be used to shortlist candidates for interview)
May 2007
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Skills, Abilities and Competencies (Indicate which are essential and which are desirable):
Minimum Requirements for Teaching and Research Family Level 7:


Well developed understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures.
Proven analytical and technical/scientific problem solving capability.
Additional Requirements for Job:
Essential
 *Good background in population genetics, statistics and computer literate.
 Ability to work well in a team.
 Good written* and oral communication skills
 *Effective interpersonal skills.
 Ability to plan, implement and deliver programmes of work.
 The ability to demonstrate leadership skills throughout the team including problem solving (e.g.
methodology and techniques)
 Evidence of continued personal development of subject expertise
 *Ability to communicate complex information clearly
 Effective planning and organisational skills
 To be able to demonstrate research potential and enthusiasm of the subject area and deliver
high quality research
 To be able to prioritise, plan, organise and deliver a programme of work effectively and to the
required standard
Desirable
 Experience in supervising students.
 Experience in presenting results at national/international meetings
(*Criteria to be used to shortlist candidates for interview)
Additional Information:
Signatures:
Job Holder*: ………………………………….……………………..
Date: ……………………………
Line Manager: ………………………………….……………………..
Date: ……………………………
* Only for instances when a job is being changed in consultation with the existing post holder.
May 2007
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