Research Assistant/Network Manager

Faculty of Life Sciences

School of Chemistry and Biosciences

Are you a biomedical scientist with a strong interest and track record in lab-based skin and/or ageing research? Would you like the opportunity to gain experience managing an exciting and novel network of researchers and industry stakeholders engaged in skin microbiome and ageing research in the UK?

This one-year position is an exciting and unique opportunity for a post graduate researcher to combine conducting their own experimental research project investigating the pathways of ageing in human skin with the day-to-day management of a UKRI funded ageing network. The role is based at the University of Bradford, Centre for Skin Sciences (CSS), reporting to the Network Lead and Director of CSS, Prof Julie Thornton.

As part of a long-standing research programme funded by an industry partner, you will help design and conduct research into the changes in cell behaviour in ageing skin/scalp/hair follicles. Practical experience in cutaneous cell and molecular biology methods is essential for this role and an appreciation of bioinformatics analysis an advantage. You will be required to prepare written reports of research results and to take part in meetings with the research sponsor.

The UKRI funded Skin Microbiome in Healthy Ageing (SMIHA) Network+ is part of a £2M UKRI-funded programme including 10 other ageing research networks, which aims to harness expertise across a range of disciplines. The SMiHA network is led by a team of five Co-Directors (Universities of Bradford (Network Lead), Manchester, Liverpool, Queen Mary London, and East Anglia) and supports UKRI in prioritisation to support the Government’s aim to identify research opportunities for improving the wellbeing of the UK population, especially with respect to ageing. You will efficiently manage and minute all SMiHA meetings/events and administer the SMiHA Network Pump Priming fund. You will support the Network Lead in preparation of 6 monthly progress reports and support network Project Managers. This challenging role will require excellent organisational, time management, co-ordination, and communication skills.

You should be educated to degree level with prior experience in roles combining academic and industry research, with evidence of project management and successful delivery and you should demonstrate a passion for communication to both science and non-science audiences.