Research Assistant / Associate in Microbiome and Reproduction

KINGS COLLEGE LONDON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a full-time Biomedical Scientist focused on the human microbiome and clinical test development. This role involves optimising testing protocols and developing bioinformatics workflows. Candidates should hold a BSc and ideally a PhD in relevant fields, with proven lab experience and research publications. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary setting are essential. The position offers a fixed-term contract until May 2027, based on their campus in the United Kingdom.

Qualifications

• Proven lab experience in microbiology and sequencing.
• Experience in optimising research methods/protocols.
• Evidence of research publications.

Responsibilities

• Optimise protocols for rapid testing of the reproductive tract microbiome.
• Develop bioinformatics workflow for data generated using Oxford Nanopore Technology.
• Work with existing human samples alongside clinical teams.

Skills

Microbiology

Bioinformatics

Clinical test development

R for bioinformatic analyses

Communication skills

Education

BSc in Microbiology or Biomedical Sciences

PhD in relevant subject

Job description

Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Medical sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 7 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

About Us

The School of Life Course & Population Sciences is one of six Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King’s College London. The School unites over 300 experts in women and children’s health, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum. We are interdisciplinary by nature, and this innovative approach works: 91 per cent of our research submitted to the Subjects Allied to Medicine (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women's Health cluster) for REF was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists. Based across Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Waterloo campuses, King’s Denmark Hill, our academic programme of teaching, research and clinical practice is embedded across five Departments.

We are looking for a skilled biomedical scientist with a strong interest in the human microbiome, clinical test development and have proven relevant microbiology/sequencing and bioinformatics skills. An interest is reproduction and pregnancy is desirable.

The post holder will be responsible for optimising protocols for rapid testing of the reproductive tract microbiome and developing a bioinformatics workflow for data generated using an Oxford Nanopore Technology platform.

The post holder will be supported by an experienced bioinformatician members of the Clinical Diagnostics Development Team based at Guy’s Campus. They will work with existing human samples and alongside members of Professor Tribe’s and Dr Rocio Martinez Nunez’s labs, The Hub for Applied Bioinformatics (Dr Alessandra Vigilante) and the clinical preterm birth team based at St Thomas’ Hospital.

The postholder will need to be methodological, organised and efficient with proven experience of working within a relevant lab setting and generation of results at a conference or via a peer reviewed publication. They will also have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with multiple teams seamlessly.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31 May 2027. The postholder will be expected to be on site as this is a lab-based role.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• BSc in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or equivalent (Upper second class or higher) - Grade 5 Research Assistant only
• PhD (or pending results) in relevant subject to microbiology and/or reproductive health - Grade 6 Research Associate only
• Proven lab experience in microbiology and sequencing
• Experience of optimising research methods/protocols
• Experience of using R for bioinformatic analyses.
• Evidence of research publications (e.g. conference abstract or paper)
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that enables effective communication
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work on own initiative and to work to and meet firm deadlines
• Experience in developing protocols for future implementation into a clinical environment
• Knowledge of GCP and HTA regulations

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit ’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held by mid-January 2026, with a start date by March 2026.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.

Grade and Salary: Grade 5: £39,076 - £43,909 per annum; Grade 6: £45,031 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 134785

Close Date: 07-Jan-2026

Contact Person: Prof Rachel Tribe

Contact Details: [e-mail]