Transactional Research Scientist - KTP Research Associate

Anglia Ruskin University; Sandy; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution is seeking a researcher for a innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership focused on developing sustainable cell transport methods. The successful candidate will work alongside industry partners in a lab setting, involving tasks like conducting studies and presenting results. Essential qualifications include an MSc in a related field and expertise in cell biology. This position offers unique opportunities for professional growth and direct connections with industry leaders.

Benefits

Access to specialist resources

Generous training budget

Creative freedom in project development

Qualifications

• Experience in cell culture/viability assays e.g. MTT and Microscopy.
• Experience of establishing protocols and quality assurance measures.
• Health and Safety legislation awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory studies.
• Present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to strategic decisions about product refinement.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular assays

Statistical analyses

Imaging flow cytometry

Communication skills

Education

MSc in Cell Biology, Biomedical Science or related disciplines

PhD (desirable)

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a 30-month collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Life Science Group Ltd (LSG) in developing and optimising their innovative, animal‑free media for ambient cell transport offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods.

LSG is an independent UK supplier of life science research solutions offering products and services to leading pharma, biotech, contract research organisations and universities worldwide. We offer technical expertise and experience to provide traceable, customisable solutions through the three divisions, Life Science Production, Antibody Production Services and Diagnostic Kit Services.

This position offers an opportunity to engage in cutting‑edge research while working closely with industry partners to drive innovation, product development, and commercial impact. The role is well‑suited to a researcher with experience in working with mammalian cell culture, molecular assays, translational biomedical research, or life sciences product development. Candidates with knowledge of cell viability testing, cryopreservation, and flow cytometry will be particularly encouraged. The successful applicant will be instrumental in optimising and validating CellShip® and CellSplit®, and will generate data that feeds directly into both scientific understanding and market‑ready solutions.

You will benefit from access to resources at both ARU and LSG. You will work at the interface of academia and industry, gaining experience in experimental design, product development, data analysis, and commercial translation. The role will involve designing and conducting laboratory studies, presenting findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences, and contributing to strategic decisions about product refinement and positioning in the life sciences sector. This is a rare opportunity to apply your scientific skills in a commercially focused environment, broaden your development, and make an impact on how cell‑based products are handled and preserved. Although you’ll be employed by ARU, you’ll be mostly based at LSG’s Sandy location.

Requirements

• Essential - MSc (desirably a PhD) in Cell Biology, Biomedical Science or related disciplines
• Undertaken research or have experience in cell culture/viability assays e.g. MTT and Microscopy
• Experience in working with imaging flow cytometry and proteomic analyses
• Experience with statistical analyses
• Experience of establishing protocols and quality assurance measures
• Health and Safety legislation awareness
• Presenting papers and posters at conferences
• Customer focused
• Well‑developed communication skills i.e. written, oral and presentational
• High degree of self‑motivation and ability to think innovatively

Benefits for the Associate

• Work in a cutting edge, industry leading life science commercial environment.
• Gain access to specialist resources and world‑leading academics.
• Gain further qualifications and certifications.
• Have your own dedicated training time and a generous training budget.
• Be the project lead, managing your own workload and ensuring outputs.
• Direct problem‑solving activities and your own learning.
• Have creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan.
• Have continuous support from your Supervisors.
• Work with innovative and ambitious business staff, including contact with senior management. You’ll liaise with current and new LSG clients to see the real‑life impact of your work.

About the KTP programme

KTPs are unique, three‑way collaborations powering innovation. For nearly 50 years, KTPs have been helping businesses innovate for growth. They connect businesses that have an innovation idea with the academic expertise to help deliver it. Now, around 800 businesses, 100 universities and other research organisations and over 800 graduates are involved in KTPs.

For further KTP information: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (ktp-uk.org)

Further role information or enquiries: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Please note that interviews are expected to take place on 12 December 2025.

Please note: Applicants must be able to meet all fast‑track visa application costs if applicable, and all relocation costs if applicable.

Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.

We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.