Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Research Assistant

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Assistant with a strong background in biological sciences to join our dynamic and multidisciplinary research team at the forefront of regenerative medicine and advanced therapeutic development.

The successful candidate will join the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine research programme led by Professor Paolo De Coppi at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. Our laboratory undertakes internationally recognised research in tissue engineering, in vitro organ development and tissue modelling, bringing together expertise in primary human cell biology, stem cell and organoid technologies, biomaterials and bioreactor systems.

The overarching aim of the programme is to develop innovative regenerative therapies for patients affected by tissue and organ failure. The postholder will support a range of ongoing research projects involving the isolation, expansion and characterisation of primary human and animal mesenchymal cell populations, particularly skeletal muscle-derived and stromal cells. They will also contribute to the production and application of lentiviral vectors for genetic modification of primary cells and will apply these approaches to the development and functional assessment of engineered tissues and in vitro tissue models.

The role offers an exciting opportunity to work across a broad range of experimental techniques including primary cell culture, molecular and cellular biology, tissue engineering, biomaterials, genetic modification, microscopy and data analysis. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, perform laboratory-based research, analyse and interpret data, maintain accurate scientific records and support the dissemination of findings through presentations, reports and publications. The postholder will be based at the Zayed Centre for Research, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and will be fully integrated into the wider activities of the research group. Full support and training will be provided, including access to established laboratory protocols, advanced research methodologies and in-house technology platforms. This is an on-site role. The salary offered is £39,807 – £40,805 per annum. The position is available immediately and is funded until 31 January 2027 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. The post-holder will be line managed by Professor Paolo De Copp.

Applicants should hold a degree in a relevant biological discipline. An MSc or MRes in a biological subject, such as cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology or stem cell biology, is strongly preferred. Candidates must demonstrate proven research aptitude and hands-on laboratory experience within a biomedical research environment. The ideal candidate will have practical experience in mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique, contamination control and the maintenance of sterile laboratory environments. Experience in the isolation and culture of primary mesenchymal cell populations, including muscle-derived and stromal cells, would be particularly advantageous. Applicants should also have experience working with molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as qPCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry.

We are seeking a motivated individual who can work independently while contributing effectively to a large multidisciplinary team. The successful applicant will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to accurately follow complex experimental protocols. They should possess effective problem-solving abilities, be able to manage multiple priorities and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high-quality scientific records and laboratory standards. Experience in lentiviral vector production, titration and transduction, together with an understanding of laboratory safety requirements, risk assessments and relevant regulatory procedures, is highly desirable. Candidates with previous experience in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, scaffold-based culture systems, bioreactors or engineered tissue constructs are particularly encouraged to apply. Strong communication skills are essential, as the postholder will work closely with scientists, clinicians, students and collaborators from a wide range of disciplines. Experience analysing and presenting scientific data, including statistical analysis, will be an advantage.

We are looking for an individual who brings creativity, initiative, enthusiasm and a commitment to collaborative research, and who is eager to contribute to the development of innovative therapies that have the potential to improve patient outcomes.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.