Research Assistant/Associate - Microfluidic Crystallisation

Salary: 

Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate: £36,636 to £38,784 per annum 

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 13 October 2026

The Role

We are seeking an ambitious research Assistant or Associate who will work with Dr Kavanagh in his EPSRC funded lab (a team of 5 at PhD students and 1 PDRA) to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of drug induced crystalluria by combining drug pharmacokinetic behaviour along with physicochemistry in urine.

The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in crystalluria. We have links with The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital groups and with large groups based in the prestigious Bernal Institute in Ireland. This project will involve visits to these collaborators. With a focus on high-impact publications and grant applications, the post-doc will have the opportunity to shape their own research agenda while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. This role is ideal for a self-driven and forward-thinking individual eager to make a significant impact in their academic career.

This post is fixed term period until 31 August 2027.

The start date for the post is ASAP. For informal enquiries contact: [email protected]

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/

Find out more about our Research Institutes here:

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant 

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes

• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)

• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project

• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)


• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

In addition for Research Associate 

• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project

• Determine appropriate methodologies for research

• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations

• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications

• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline


• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant 

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills


• Handling large experimental datasets using Python or R and the ability to apply these skills to simulate the pharmacokinetics of drugs. 


• Experience fabricating or using microfluidic chips, preferably coupled with data-analysis as described above.


• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy  


• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences 


• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results 


• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues 


• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications 


• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems. 


• Awareness of the research environment 

In addition for Research Associate 

• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research project (e.g., hands on experience of pharmacokinetic simulation)


• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability


• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others


• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment


• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications


• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity 


• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity  


• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications 

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team


• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines


• Commitment to continued professional development


• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences


• Close to submission of PhD (for appointment at Assistant level which will be automatically upgraded to Associate once on the PhD passlist)

In addition for Research Associate

• A PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 29732