Newcastle University offers a full-time, fixed-term position (3 years) for a Research Assistant or Research Associate in Molecular Parasitology — funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC).

 About the Opportunity 

Location: Newcastle, UK.
Salary: from £33,002 to £34,610 (Research Assistant) — or £35,608 to £46,049 (Research Associate), depending on experience.
Application deadline: 18 December 2025.

 Research Focus 

The project aims to unravel the environmental triggers and molecular signalling mechanisms controlling proliferation and cell-cycle arrest of protozoan parasites (notably Trypanosoma brucei) throughout their life cycle. Approaches include in vitro and in vivo experiments, combining protein degradation, RNAi, and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic manipulations.

Generated mutant parasite lines will be studied using microscopy and flow cytometry. In addition, in vivo analyses in both murine models and tsetse flies will be conducted in collaboration with teams at the University of Edinburgh and the Institut Pasteur.

At Newcastle, you will join a research group working on parasites (Trypanosoma and Leishmania species), focusing on cell-cycle regulation and linking it to parasite transmission and infection dynamics. You will have access to state-of-the-art Bioimaging and Flow Cytometry facilities within the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

 The Candidate 

Ideal candidates should have:

• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, parasite biology (especially Trypanosoma), and cell-cycle regulation.
• Practical experience in parasite culture, genetic manipulation (CRISPR/Cas9 or RNAi), fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and capacity to contribute ideas in a collaborative research environment.

Desirable but not mandatory: experience with in vivo parasite models (rodents or insect vectors).

 Why Apply 

Join a cutting-edge parasitology project working on fundamental mechanisms of parasite life cycle and transmission — major for global health research.

Work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, with opportunities for in vivo and in vitro research, advanced imaging and flow cytometry, and interactions with top research institutes internationally (in UK and Europe).

Chance to gain broad expertise: molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, imaging, parasite life-cycle studies — valuable for a research career in infection biology.

 Application Information 

Application Deadline: 18 December 2025

All candidates interested should apply via the Newcastle University job portal under Requisition ID 28742.
👉 : https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-Research-AssistantAssociate-in-Molecular-Parasitology/1263288601/

Informal enquiries may be directed to the contact listed in the job advert.