Research Assistant – Faculty of Pharmacy - Drug Research & Development Group
Job Purpose
The Research Assistant is responsible for supporting the implementation of research projects and the day-to-day operation of research laboratories by assisting faculty members, postgraduate students, and research teams with experimental procedures, laboratory techniques, sample preparation, and data collection.
The role ensures the proper operation of laboratory equipment, effective management of materials and records, and compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, and quality standards to facilitate efficient and reliable research activities.
Job Responsibilities
- Support research activities and the day-to-day operation of its laboratories.
- Support the implementation of experimental protocols and ongoing research projects.
- Assist faculty members, postgraduate students, and research teams with laboratory work.
- Prepare reagents, buffers, media, samples, and other experimental materials.
- Perform and support relevant molecular, cellular, biochemical, and pharmacological techniques.
- Maintain accurate experimental, equipment, inventory, and sample records.
- Assist in the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of shared laboratory equipment.
- Monitor stocks of chemicals, reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies.
- Ensure appropriate storage, labelling, and handling of chemicals and biological samples.
- Maintain laboratory organization and compliance with safety, biosafety, and waste-disposal procedures.
- Assist in training laboratory users on basic techniques, equipment use, and good laboratory practice.
- Support data collection, organisation, and basic analysis where required.
- Undertake various duties as assigned by Dean/Head of Department, Programme Director.
Job Requirements
Educational Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, or any related field.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on laboratory research experience.
- Previous experience in a university-based research facility or academic research laboratory is highly desirable, rather than experience limited solely to a research centre, diagnostic laboratory, or routine analytical facility.
- Experience working with multiple researchers and projects within a shared laboratory environment (Preferred).
- Experience in animal experimentation, tissue processing, histology, flow cytometry, or other preclinical research techniques would be an advantage.
Experience in: -
- Cell culture and aseptic techniques.
- Cytotoxicity and cell-based assays.
- DNA/RNA extraction and PCR/qPCR.
- ELISA and Western blotting.
- Spectrophotometric and biochemical assays.
- Microscopy.
Technical Skills:
- Preparation of buffers, reagents, and culture media.
- Biological sample handling and storage.
- Laboratory equipment operation and basic troubleshooting.
- Strong hands-on laboratory and organisational skills.
- Attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
- Ability to manage multiple research activities simultaneously.
- Strong awareness of laboratory safety and good research practice.
- Proactive, reliable, and willing to learn new techniques.
Competencies:
Core:
- Interpersonal Skills
- Collaboration
- Integrity & Accountability
- Results Focus