Research Associate/Assistant

Salary: Research Assistant: £33,002 - £34,610  per annum

            Research Associate: £35,608 - £46.049 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 2025

The Role

We are seeking an ambitious post-doctoral researcher who will work with Dr Kavanagh in his Action Medical Research/LifeArc funded lab to develop new formulations of cysteamine for a rare disease, cystinosis. It's an exciting time to join our research group which currently has 4 members, 3 PhD students and a post-doctoral researcher and plans to hire 2 more PhD students by year-end.

You will engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in crystal engineering. We have links with The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital groups and our central goal is to make a real difference for patients living with this condition. 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 full time, fixed term for a period of one year.

• The start date for the post is 1 January 2026. For informal enquiries contact: oisin.kavanagh@newcastle.ac.uk
• 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/

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, you will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of your studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and 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
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge in either drug pharmacokinetics or drug behavior in solutions
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research project (e.g. hands on experience of formulation design or crystal engineering)
• 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
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications 

Attributes And Behaviour

Essential

• Diligent and reliable
• Able to work flexibly to meet deadlines
• Collaborative but also able to work independently
• Resourceful but also willing to accept guidance

Qualifications

• Honours degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences (For Assistant level)
• A PhD in relevant area (for Associate Level) or open to completing a PhD
• Close to submission of PhD (for appointment at Assistant level which will be automatically upgraded to Associate once on the PhD passlist)

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 silver  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: 28646