Research & Innovation Associate (0.8fte) Fixed term for 12

Liverpool John Moores University; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Research Assistant for a 12-month project in Industrial Biotechnology. The successful candidate will have a PhD and strong expertise in molecular biology, with hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and data analysis. Responsibilities include designing expression constructs, performing experiments, and maintaining documentation. The role offers an excellent benefits package and involves collaboration with academic and industry partners to develop an anti-cancer therapy using advanced technologies.

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, aseptic techniques, and transfection methods.
• Proficiency in the analysis of protein expression and functional data.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble expression constructs, verify sequences, and optimize vector elements.
• Perform experiments and produce reports, manuals, and manuscripts.
• Run expression screens and analyze results using various assays.
• Maintain accurate documentation and manage inventory.
• Work independently while collaborating with academic-industry partners.

Skills

Molecular biology expertise

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Transfection methods

Data analysis of protein expression

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

About Liverpool John Moores University

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.

Position

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.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble expression constructs, verify sequences, and optimise vector elements such as promoters, UTRs, signal peptides and tags.
• Perform experiments, deliver project outcomes and produce reports, manuals and manuscripts for dissemination of findings.
• Run expression screens and analyse results using SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, ELISA and functional assays.
• Maintain accurate documentation, inventory management and ensure data traceability.
• Work independently as a self‑starter while building effective relationships as part of a team and collaborating with academic‑industry partners.

Qualifications

• PhD‑level scientist with strong molecular biology expertise.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique and transfection methods.
• Proficiency in the analysis of protein expression and functional data.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement and a pension scheme.
• Induction and development support.
• Family‑friendly policies.

Contact

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Kehinde Ross: 0151 231 2567.

Anticipated interview date will be week commencing 19th January 2026.

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 that all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.