Research Assistant

Salary: Band C (S2) £32,315 per annum 

Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (12 Months)

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it is sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you are surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and well‑organised researcher with strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset to join the team as a Research Assistant. The role will involve developing and integrating 3D‑printed microfluidic devices with a custom super‑resolution optical microscope, as well as contributing to image analysis and data‑processing workflows. You will work on analytical and computational methods, including advanced microscopy image analysis and automated cell detection. The post also involves supporting preclinical validation studies using model biological samples and delivering quantitative assessments of system performance. 

You will become an active member of a small research team embedded within a large national imaging facility, benefiting from close supervision, strong mentorship, and access to extensive resources and technical support. We offer comprehensive training in the development and prototyping of advanced optical microscopy systems, as well as exposure to a wide range of optical imaging techniques and their applications across biological and medical sciences. You will also have opportunities to present research outcomes in a dynamic, collaborative environment and at national and international conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and integration of 3D‑printed microfluidic devices with a custom optical imaging platform.

• Support experimental workflows combining microfluidic sample processing with advanced microscopy.  

• Perform image processing, data analysis, and computational workflows, including automated cell‑detection approaches. 

• Support preclinical validation studies using model biological samples.

• Deliver quantitative assessments of system performance and experimental outcomes.

• Participate in research dissemination through internal reporting, collaborative discussions, and presentations at conferences.

(Please note the criteria below will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)

• A motivated and well‑organised person from Bioengineering, Biophysics, Physics or Biology background, with a strong interest in biomedical or imaging research. (S)

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail. (S)

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team. (S)   

• Willingness and capacity to learn new experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. (S)

• Experience or demonstrated aptitude in developing and integrating 3D‑printed microfluidic devices or similar laboratory systems. (S&I) 

• Experience or demonstrated aptitude in optical microscopy and image‑analysis workflows, including automated or computational analysis. (S&I) 

• Experience or aptitude in working with biological samples and supporting preclinical or validation studies. (S&I)

• Ability to perform quantitative data analysis and contribute to the evaluation of system and experimental performance. (S&I)

We are offering a 1-year fixed term contract with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)

• Flexible working hours

• An excellent average salary pension scheme

• Employee shopping/travel discounts

• Learning and development opportunities

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business-support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. 

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what is possible!

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs - GOV.UK 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.