Research Assistant: Microfluidics & Advanced Microscopy

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 (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