Research Assistant (Fixed Term) (Part Time)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks a part-time Research Assistant to work on a project focused on cardiac regeneration and therapeutics. Responsibilities include assisting with lab work, performing cell culture and electrophysiology assays, and supporting stem-cell phenotypic screening. Candidates should have a BSc in biological sciences and experience in stem-cell research. The position is fixed-term for 12 months, offering an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• BSc in biological, electrophysiology, or biomedical sciences (required).
• Experience in stem-cell research (required).
• Experience in molecular biology and bioengineering, and an MSc in Biological Sciences (highly desirable).

Responsibilities

• Assist Dr Ong with experimental work across the lab.
• Support phenotypic screening of stem‑cell‑derived cardiomyocytes.
• Perform stem‑cell culture and cardiac electrophysiology assays.

Skills

Collaborative work

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

BSc in biological, electrophysiology, or biomedical sciences

MSc in Biological Sciences

Tools

High-resolution microscopy

Cardiac electrophysiology assays

Stem-cell culture

Job description

Overview

We seek a highly enthusiastic and motivated part‑time (0.5 FTE) Research Assistant to work with Dr Lay Ping Ong on a jointly funded MRC/AstraZeneca project hosted by Dr Catherine Wilson, Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge. We are committed to developing novel therapeutics (e.g. stem‑cell based, RNA therapeutics) to accelerate cardiac regeneration and treat heart failure.

Project background

Chronic heart failure remains an unmet clinical need. The heart, being the least regenerative organ, cannot heal itself after a heart attack, leading to irreversible muscle damage and subsequent heart failure. Our research aims to restore lost heart muscle through exogenous sources such as stem‑cell‑derived cardiomyocytes or endogenous methods such as RNA therapeutics. Challenges include electrical integration of new cardiomyocytes, which can cause tachyarrhythmias and safety risks.

Role responsibilities

• Assist Dr Ong with experimental work across the lab.
• Support phenotypic screening of stem‑cell‑derived cardiomyocytes in injury and non‑injury contexts.
• Perform stem‑cell culture, bioengineering, high‑resolution microscopy, and cardiac electrophysiology assays.
• Contribute to high‑throughput 2D and 3D heart model screening with a focus on cardiac electrophysiological outputs.
• Collaborate with Early CVRM, AstraZeneca at Gothenburg, Sweden, and other research sites as required.
• Maintain laboratory records, manage reagents, and assist with laboratory management tasks.

Qualifications

• BSc in biological, electrophysiology, or biomedical sciences (required).
• Experience in stem‑cell research (required).
• Experience in molecular biology and bioengineering, and an MSc in Biological Sciences (highly desirable).
• Excellent communication, collaborative, detail‑oriented, and highly organised.
• Capacity to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Terms

Fixed‑term: 12 months initially. This post is funded for 12 months in the first instance.

Application

Please apply online. Include reference PL48312 on your application and in any correspondence.

Contact

Informal enquiries about the project and the role can be made to Dr Lay Ping Ong ([e-mail]). Queries regarding the recruitment process should be directed to the HR team ([e-mail]).

Equality and inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.