Research Assistant in Reproductive Biology

Research Assistant Opportunity in Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine

This position at the prestigious Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, within the Faculty of Medicine and Health, presents an exceptional opportunity for an early-career researcher with a passion for placental physiology and biology. If you're seeking to launch or accelerate your research career in a world-leading, research-intensive university, this role is designed for you.

You will join the esteemed team of Dr. Karen Forbes and Professor Eleanor Scott, contributing to an important MRC-funded project. This research focuses on investigating the critical role of extracellular vesicles in regulating placental and fetal growth, particularly in pregnancies affected by maternal diabetes. This is a chance to make a tangible impact in a vital area of medical research.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Gain Invaluable Research Experience: This role offers hands-on experience in a variety of cutting-edge research techniques. You will be involved in patient recruitment, precise placental tissue collection, and conducting a range of experiments.
• Master Advanced Techniques: You'll develop expertise in isolating and analyzing extracellular vesicles, as well as performing molecular, cellular, and metabolic assays. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a robust skill set.
• Contribute to Significant Research: Work on an MRC-funded project that addresses a key challenge in maternal and fetal health. Your contributions will directly support the program's success and outputs.
• Collaborate with Leading Experts: Learn from and collaborate with Dr. Karen Forbes and Professor Eleanor Scott, gaining mentorship from established figures in the field.
• Develop Essential Laboratory Skills: Beyond experimental work, you'll gain experience in essential lab management tasks, including reagent ordering, safety assessments (COSHH), and maintaining compliance with stringent regulatory and ethical guidelines.
• Enhance Your Network: Build strong working relationships with internal colleagues and participate in developing external networks, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer.
• Strengthen Your CV: This role provides a solid foundation for future research positions, including potential PhD opportunities or further postdoctoral work, especially within reproductive biology and metabolic health.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Specific Research Background: A background in placental physiology or biology is highly desirable, ensuring you can hit the ground running and contribute effectively to the project.
• Commitment to Research Excellence: The role requires a dedication to meticulous experimental planning, execution, and data analysis, adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.
• Teamwork and Independence: While you will work collaboratively within a larger research team, including assisting with mouse tissue harvests, you will also be expected to work independently and manage your tasks effectively.
• Adaptability: The position may require occasional out-of-hours working, demonstrating a commitment to the project's needs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strict adherence to Human Tissue Act guidelines, local ethics committee approvals, and regulatory requirements is paramount for sample collection and storage.
• Knowledge Transfer: Be prepared to engage in knowledge-transfer activities and present research outputs where appropriate, honing your communication skills.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to continually updating your knowledge, understanding, and skills within the research field is essential for growth.

This temporary role, reporting to Dr. Karen Forbes, Associate Professor in Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction, offers a clear pathway to developing critical research skills and making a meaningful contribution to cardiovascular and metabolic medicine. If you are a driven and meticulous early-career researcher eager to make your mark, this is an opportunity not to be missed.