Position Overview & Specifications

We are seeking a Histology Research Assistant to join an established team providing an Institute-wide histology support service. The Kennedy Institute carries out basic and translational research into chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The major diseases of interest are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. You will be expected to undertake the day‑to-day collection, preparation and cutting of tissue samples, histological scoring/analysis and presentation of data. You will liaise closely with individual research group leaders and develop protocols and standardise histological techniques. You will also be expected to provide advice and training in histological techniques for other members of the team. You will hold a BSc / MSc in Biomedical Sciences (or equivalent degree) as well as a specialist advanced qualification and/or experience of immunohistochemical techniques. You will have proven experience in tissue processing and histological sectioning, including experience with murine/human tissue and organs. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to organise and prioritise work with minimal supervision. You will also be expected to contribute to reports and be willing to undertake any necessary training. IT skills including the use of databases, word-processing and spread-sheets are essential; familiarity with the Human Tissue Act and previous experience in Rheumatology/Immunology research fields would be an advantage. This is a full-time position for 3 years in the first instance. Due to the nature of the research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, this job will require additional security pre-employment checks: