Postdoctoral Research Associate & Biobank Manager

Queen Mary University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Greater London is seeking a motivated PDRA to advance its biopsy-driven clinical trials in inflammatory arthritis. This role involves managing biobanks, processing samples, and ensuring quality assurance in a collaborative team. Candidates should have a PhD in immunology, experience with biospecimens, and strong IT and organizational skills. The position offers competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Generous pension scheme

30 days’ leave per annum

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience handling biospecimens and managing clinical trial samples.
• Practical skills in molecular assays.
• Maintain secure records following GCP, GLP, HTA and H&S standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage biobanking and databases for key studies.
• Process samples and contribute to histological and molecular analyses.
• Prepare SOPs and present at site initiation visits.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Ability to work flexibly

Education

PhD in immunology or related field

Tools

qPCR

Western blot

Histology and immunostaining skills

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated PDRA to join EMR’s multidisciplinary team, supporting our internationally recognised biopsy-driven clinical trials and translational research in inflammatory arthritis.

You will manage biobanking and databases for key studies (e.g., 3TR-Precis-The-RA, PEAC/PEsAC), process samples and contribute to histological and molecular analyses as well as oversee quality assurance. The role also involves preparing SOPs, presenting at site initiation visits, and supporting colleagues during peak periods.

About You

• Collect, process, store and database synovial tissue and biospecimens.
• Perform histology/immunostaining (IHC/IF), RNA/DNA extraction, and gene expression profiling.
• Support QA audits, data analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain secure records and compliance with GCP, GLP, HTA and H&S standards.
• Participate in Centre meetings and collaborative projects.
• PhD in immunology or related field.
• Experience handling biospecimens and managing clinical trial samples.
• Practical skills in molecular assays (qPCR, Western blot), histology and immunostaining.
• Strong organisational, communication and IT skills; ability to work flexibly in a diverse team.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

EMR is a thriving multi-disciplinary interface for collaborative approach between basic scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticians and clinical team. The Centre is focused on to better understand the disease pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases including RA. EMR is part of the newly awarded Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the Musculoskeletal theme will encompass bio-informatician analysis, organ on-a chip development, small molecules testing, precision medicine trials, and development of a single cell platform.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.