Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate role focusing on developing rapid diagnostics for snakebite venoms. This 10-month fixed-term opportunity aims to address urgent clinical needs in snakebite treatment with innovative lateral flow assay technologies. Successful candidates will leverage their expertise in biomedical sciences and collaborate with leading researchers in the field.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant biomedical sciences, preferably in immunotechnology.
• Experience with clinical samples and producing experimental data.
• Published peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop rapid diagnostic tests for snakebite envenoming using lateral flow assay technology.
• Collaborate with research groups within the University and external partners.
• Analyze high-quality experimental data and produce detailed reports.

Skills

Cell and molecular biology research

Immunoassays

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

PhD in relevant biomedical sciences

Tools

ELISA

Lateral flow assay

Job description

Full Time, Fixed Term Role

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 2nd July 2025

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. Successful candidates not already holding a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4th April 2024 will need to have a relevant PhD qualification or qualify as a new entrant before being able to be sponsored. There is further information about visas on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Applications are invited for a 10-month fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate position to develop rapid diagnostic kits using lateral flow assay technology for the detection of Russell's viper venom in biological/clinical samples. The post holder will be a member of Professor Vaiyapuri's laboratories within the School of Pharmacy and will collaborate with other research groups within the University of Reading and external partners such as Toxiven Biotech in India.

As a high priority neglected tropical disease, snakebite envenoming is the focus of current research. Since there is no diagnostic method available to detect venom in snakebite victims in India, this research addresses an urgent clinical need.

This project, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to develop rapid diagnostic tests using lateral flow assay technology and other relevant methods to detect Russell's viper venom in patient samples such as plasma, serum, whole blood, and urine.

You will have:

• PhD in relevant biomedical sciences, preferably in immunotechnology
• Expertise in cell and molecular biology research with experience in immunoassays
• Familiarity with techniques such as ELISA, lateral flow assay, antibody production and purification
• Experience working with clinical samples
• Ability to produce and analyze high-quality experimental data
• Effective communication skills (written and oral), both within a team and externally
• Published peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact journals

For more information, please contact:

Professor Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
Principal Investigator
[e-mail]

Dr Harry Williams
Project Partner
[e-mail]

The University is committed to diversity and inclusion, supports the Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.