Research Assistant

UKRI; Harwell; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Excellent pension scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire, invites applications for a Research Assistant to develop and integrate 3D-printed microfluidic devices with a custom super-resolution optical microscope.

The role involves image analysis, data processing workflows, and quantitative assessment of system performance, with mentorship, training, and opportunities to present outcomes at national and international forums.

Qualifications

• Background in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Physics or Biology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with microfluidic devices or optical microscopy.
• Ability to learn new experimental, analytical and computational techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and integrating 3D-printed microfluidic devices with a custom optical imaging platform.
• Support workflows combining microfluidic sample processing with advanced microscopy.
• Perform image processing, data analysis, and computational workflows.
• 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 conferences.

Skills

Bioengineering

Biophysics

Physics

Biology

Analytical

Tools

3D-printed microfluidic devices

Optical microscope

Image analysis workflows

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