Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant

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This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant
Division of Infection and Immunity
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

A Research Assistant position funded by the Wellcome Trust is available in the research group of Professors Richard Stanton and Eddie Wang, in the Division of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University School of Medicine, based at Heath Park Cardiff. This role will involve examining the ways that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) modulates NK cell activity in order to promote lifelong persistence, and the impact this has on host NK cell immunity. The laboratory is well funded by the Medical Research Council, National institute of Health, Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Council, and Wellcome Trust, and regularly publishes high impact research.

We are seeking for a new addition to the team with a BSc degree in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience. The work covers a wide variety of research areas, including proteomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, cell biology, and immunology. The successful candidate will have significant experience in at least one of these areas. They must show a willingness to develop skills and to work with a team that includes post-doctoral staff, PhD and undergraduate students. Excellent communication skills, time management, and self-motivation will be essential for this role. 

For enquiries about this position please contact Professor Richard Stanton (StantonRJ@cardiff.ac.uk) and professor Eddie Wang (WangEC@cardiff.ac.uk).

This is a full time (35 hours per week) fixed term post for 3 years and available immediately.

Salary: £33,482 - £36,130 per annum (Grade 5).  Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Closing date: Friday, 13 June 2025

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Main function 

To contribute to research within specialist area, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities
•    To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments
•    Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
•    To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
•    To contribute and support research funding bids as required
•    To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
•    To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
•    To generate research output and contribute to the development of  independent  and original ideas as appropriate
•    To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
•    To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other
•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
•    To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.    A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field
3.    Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
4.    Ability to demonstrate the capability and drive to succeed in securing research funding 

Communication and Team Working
5.    Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
6.    Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other
7.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work

Desirable Criteria 

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
2.    Proven ability to work without close supervision
3.    Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is the School of Medicine's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.

Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 20239BR

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic - Research, Medical & Dental