GTA Roles - MSc Dev PP 2024-25

The applicant will support an educational research project in the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences. The research involves analysing data collected from a dashboard including teacher feedback, student feedback and self-reflections.

The role includes conducting thematic analyses and working with quantitative data. The successful candidate will be supported in developing their qualitative and quantitative research skills through guidance towards self-directed learning resources and ad-hoc training to enhance their expertise. 

The Research Assistant will contribute to generating meaningful insights to inform educational practices, particularly in assessment and feedback.

Key responsibilities:

1. Clean, process and manage datasets from multiple excel sources for analysis.
2. Provide quantitative and qualitative research support.
3. Assist in conducting thematic analyses to identify themes from qualitative data.
4. Perform quantitative analysis of student grade performance.
5. Participate in discussions, communicating and presenting research at meetings.
6. Contribute to writing reports, presentations and academic publications.

A third-year undergraduate student or above in any subject area.

Desirable skills: 

1. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques 
2. Some understanding of thematic analysis and experience in working with large datasets. 

Required skills:

1. Basic knowledge of excel.
2. Ability to work independently and collaboratively remotely.
3. Ability to manage tasks and deliver results under tight deadlines.
4. Strong work ethic, commitment to data accuracy.
5. Ability to work with limited supervision.

The Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences is seeking to recruit a technician. This key Professional Services role will support the Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, one of three research Centres within the Faculty.

The Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology is one of the leading centres for Craniofacial Biology worldwide with research focusing on craniofacial and stem cell biology, innovative approaches to regeneration and repair and big data approaches to understand the complexity of development and disease. Our research spans basic, clinical and translational sciences. It offers a vibrant, collaborative, and interactive research and teaching environment in the heart of London.

The primary purpose of this role will be to provide molecular biology support to the Centre and to help maintain the research laboratories in a clean, safe, and tidy manner. Work closely with the Technical Operations Manager and the lead academics to ensure that technical support is professional, well-executed, and timely, complying with university policies and funders terms and conditions and adopting best practices.

The post holder is expected to contribute to several technical objectives, including health and safety compliance, good laboratory practice, equipment maintenance, maintenance of lab consumables stocks, waste and genotyping service and ordering. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and motivated team player who works well with a technical team, is willing to explore new innovative approaches, and is committed to continued personal development.

Technical Support

• Responsible for providing a range of molecular biology services, such as Genotyping, where there are established standards and requirements. 
• To provide colleagues with advice and guidance as required
• The postholder will maintain stocks of consumables in the research Laboratories.
• The postholder will begin to undertake additional responsibilities as determined by the operations manager and to demonstrate job based acquired knowledge to enable more in-depth laboratory support.
• Provide a range of technical support, normally following an established pattern, with limited supervision, and with a clearly defined objective, both following established guidance and procedures and applying knowledge and skills.
• To be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise
• Assist others in managing and prioritising day-to-day work to meet agreed objectives
• Resource management: install, monitor and maintain technical equipment, systems and software, with control over small budgets, stocks/ stores equipment and supplies 
• Engage in appropriate professional activities to keep knowledge-base and skills up-to-date and to develop them further. 
• Maintain local facilities and operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and undertaking purchasing/receipt of goods, equipment maintenance (personally, or through a service contractor) and wider facilities maintenance as required
• Resolve problems as they are arise and put things in place to minimise future, foreseeable problems
• To be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided and resolving problems as they arise
• Keep up to date with all mandatory training, including local Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• To forge relationships with colleagues in the Centre, Faculty, and university, to deliver the required support as well as to contribute to process development and the adoption of best practice.
• Actively engage with the Centre and Faculty?s contribution to the King?s Vision 2029 and Research/Education strategy
• To actively engage in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, in line with the Technician Commitment.

There is a potential that the post will be extended or become permanent. 

Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g., higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts.

• Methodical approach to work with good attention to detail, focused on solution and ability to trouble-shoot laboratory problems.
• Experience and understanding of health and safety issues within a laboratory Competent computer skills including Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and independently to identify and address operational issues.
• Good time management and organisational skills. 
• Good communication skills- orally and in writing, 
• Willingness to learn new techniques, follow instructions and apply learnt techniques/ skills to the work context.
• Some experience in running and optimising PCR.

The post holder is a member of the Faculty?s professional services team, providing high quality technical support to the Faculty and specific support to its education and/or research activities. The primary purpose of this role will be to provide cell culture support to the Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and to help maintain the research laboratories in a clean, safe, and tidy manner.

BSc

Experience of molecular and cell biology laboratory techniques (Cell culture, PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning).