Research Assistant

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI); Harwell; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Flexible working hours

Excellent pension scheme

Employee discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is seeking a Research Assistant to develop and integrate 3D‑printed microfluidic devices with a bespoke super‑resolution optical microscope. You will contribute to image analysis and data‑processing workflows, applying advanced microscopy techniques to biological samples.

You will join a small research team within a national imaging facility, receiving strong mentorship, training in prototyping optical systems, and opportunities to present at

Qualifications

• Motivated and well-organised researcher from bioengineering/biophysics/physics/biology background.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.
• Willingness to learn new experimental, analytical and computational techniques.
• Experience with 3D‑printed microfluidic devices or similar systems is advantageous.
• Experience with optical microscopy and image-analysis workflows.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and integrating 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.
• Support preclinical validation studies using model biological samples.
• Deliver quantitative assessments of system performance and experimental outcomes.
• Participate in research dissemination through internal reporting and presentations at conferences.

Skills

Bioengineering background

Biophysics background

Physics background

Biology background

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Independent and collaboration skills

Willingness to learn new techniques

3D-printed microfluidic devices

Optical microscopy and image analysis

Working with biological samples

Tools

Microscopy platforms

Job description

Science and Technology Facilities Council

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.

Shortlisting Criteria

(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)

Employee Benefits

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 - UK Research and Innovation

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.

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.