Post Doctoral Research Associate at University of Kent

Post Type: Full Time

Contract Type:Fixed Term – Ends 04/07/2024

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 04 August 2023 (unless otherwise stated)

Reference: NATS-233-23

The Medway School of Pharmacy, are seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a Leverhulme Trust funded project entitled “Ageing of the Circadian Clock”.  The researcher will be responsible for experimental work, data analysis and publication of the findings emerging from the project. A Research Associate will work with Professor Gurprit Lall at the Medway School of Pharmacy and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the project and liaison with collaborating groups within and external to Kent, this includes Charles River UK in Margate. You will also provide technical and practical advice to postgraduate and undergraduate students working on related projects within Lall Lab.

To perform such research, the RA will use prior knowledge and practical experience on working with mammalian behavioural and experiments, tissue sampling, DNA, RNA and protein analysis techniques (PCR, Western blot), histological staining techniques, summarising and presenting results, supervising students and maintaining animal colonies. 

The Research Associate Duties will include:

• To develop an independent approach to the research project in both the design and execution of the necessary experiments in order to deliver the specific aims.
• To maintain excellent lab notebooks to document all aspects of the work performed.
• To report on progress at lab meetings on a regular basis.
• To help supervise other lab members e.g. MSc/PhD students both technically and academically.
• To attend national/international conferences relevant to the research and present research findings orally or as a poster.
• To prepare manuscripts for publication and/or patent applications based on the outputs of the project.
• With mentoring from PIs, to undertake continued professional development of their skills as a research scientist, including: day-to-day budgetary management of resources, and development and submission of grant applications.

The successful candidate will have/be:

• PhD degree in Neuroscience, Physiology or related Discipline (or submitted for viva) 
• Experience in DNA and RNA manipulation Techniques
• Demonstrable experience of technical lab skills

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Aiste Steponenaite (A.Steponenaite@kent.ac.uk) Professor Gurprit Lall (g.lall@kent.ac.uk)

The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. We employ around 6,000 staff, including academic and research staff and a full range of support and administration staff. Our stunning main campus in Canterbury, Kent was founded in 1965 and is set among green and tranquil open space overlooking the spectacular Cathedral. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, an occupational pension scheme, generous holiday entitlements and a great working environment.

Please see the ‘Apply’ link above to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process, please contact the Human Resources team on: peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: NATS-233-23.

Further details:   

Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels.