Research Assistant in Mammalian Cell Culture

The University Of Manchester; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer pension contribution

Christmas closure across departments

Purple Place employee discount

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant in Mammalian Cell Culture (Grade 5) to contribute to developing practical alternatives to animal‑derived serum. This fixed-term post lasts 5 months, within Prof Alan Dickson's group in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, collaborating with Dr Zeynep Betts and an industry partner.

You will maintain mammalian cell cultures, adapt cells to different supplements, and measure growth and protein production.

Qualifications

• Understanding of mammalian cell biology and the principles of cell culture.
• Hands‑on experience of sterile technique for handling cells (ideally mammalian cells).
• Accurate record keeping and data analysis.
• Clear written and spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining mammalian cell cultures (such as CHO cells) using sterile technique and agreed protocols.
• Adapting cells to grow in different supplements.
• Measuring cell growth, viability and nutrient use, and the amount and quality of protein produced where relevant.
• Recording, analysing and presenting data clearly and accurately, keeping full laboratory records.
• Liaising with the industry partner, including sharing results and materials and attending project meetings.

Skills

mammalian cell biology and culture

sterile technique

record keeping and data analysis

written and spoken communication

Education

Degree in biological sciences or chemical engineering or related subject

Job description

Join us as a Research Assistant in Mammalian Cell Culture (Grade 5) to help develop practical alternatives to animal‑derived serum. This full‑time, fixed‑term post lasts 5 months. You will join Prof Alan Dickson's research group at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, working closely with Dr Zeynep Betts and an industry partner.

You will be responsible for:

• Maintaining mammalian cell cultures (such as Chinese hamster ovary cells) using sterile technique and agreed protocols.
• Adapting cells to grow in different supplements.
• Measuring cell growth, viability and nutrient use, and the amount and quality of protein produced where relevant.
• Recording, analysing and presenting data clearly and accurately, keeping full laboratory records.
• Liaising with the industry partner, including sharing results and materials and attending project meetings.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in biological sciences or chemical engineering or a related subject.
• Understanding of mammalian cell biology and the principles of cell culture.
• Hands‑on experience of sterile technique for handling cells (ideally mammalian cells).
• Accurate record keeping and data analysis.
• Clear written and spoken communication.

We value transferable skills and real‑world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Alan Dickson

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.

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