Research & Innovation Associate

LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking a Research Assistant for a fixed term of 12 months. The candidate will work 4 days per week on an industrial biotechnology project aimed at developing a new anti-cancer therapy using innovative approaches. Key responsibilities include performing experiments, preparing reports, and analyzing results. A PhD-level scientist with strong molecular biology skills and experience in mammalian cell culture is preferred. Competitive benefits package offered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme

Induction and development support

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• PhD-level scientist with strong molecular biology expertise.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection methods.
• Ability to design and assemble expression constructs.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and deliver project outcomes.
• Produce reports, manuals, and manuscripts for dissemination.
• Run expression screens and analyze results.

Skills

Molecular biology expertise

Mammalian cell culture

SDS-PAGE

Western blot

Aseptic technique

Transfection methods

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Organisation/Company LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY Research Field Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 7 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Part-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

(0.8fte) Fixed term for 12 months

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences seeks to appoint a Research Assistant for 12 months working 4 days per week on an Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst-funded project. The aim is to develop a new type of anti-cancer therapy using patented technological approaches from Daresbury Proteins.

You will be expected to perform experiments deliver project outcomes and produce reports, manuals and manuscripts for dissemination of findings. We are looking for a PhD-level scientist with strong molecular biology expertise to join our team. You will design and assemble expression constructs, verify sequences, and optimize vector elements like promoters, UTRs, signal peptides, and tags. Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and transfection methods is essential. You will run expression screens and analyse results using SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, and functional assays. Accuracy in documentation, inventory management, and data traceability is key. You will be a self‑starter able to work independently, build effective relationships as part of a team and collaborate with others across academic–industry teams.

Anticipated Interview date will be week commencing 19thJanuary 2026.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family‑friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential and we would encourage applications from all individuals who meet the advert criteria.

Please note all of our vacancies will beclosed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed‑term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro‑rata).