Senior Research Assistant in Biomedical Sciences

University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Medical benefits

Contract-end gratuity

Retirement benefits scheme (10% of基本工资

Job summary

The University of Hong Kong seeks a Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine to join a translational cancer research team. The appointee will investigate miRNA regulation, proteomic profiling, and circulating biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and metastasis prediction, with opportunities for scientific authorship.

The position requires a PhD and extensive postdoctoral experience, strong publication records, and ability to work independently in a

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Multi-omics, or related discipline.
• More than ten years of relevant research experience.
• Strong background in miRNA biology, circulating biomarkers, exosomes, and translational cancer research.
• At least five years of postdoctoral experience with publications in peer‑reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Investigate cancer development focusing on miRNA regulation, proteomic profiling, and circulating biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and metastasis prediction.
• Study oncogenic and tumour-suppressor miRNAs and their downstream signalling pathways; explore endogenous and extracellular (exosomal) miRNAs.
• Perform proteomic profiling of oncogenes and tumour suppressors; identify and validate circulating biomarkers linked to metastasis and clinical outcomes.
• Assist in clinical sample collection and processing; maintain databases and biobanking resources; support grant proposals and laboratory management.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and present findings at scientific meetings.

Skills

miRNA biology

circulating biomarkers

exosomes

translational cancer research

independent work

Education

PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Multi-omics or related discipline

Job description

Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine

to commence as soon as possible for two years, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Multi-omics, or a related discipline, with more than ten years of relevant research experience. A strong background in miRNA biology, circulating biomarkers, exosomes, and translational cancer research is essential. Applicants with at least five years of postdoctoral research experience, a proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals, and experience presenting research findings at major international conferences will have an advantage.

The appointee will join a research team investigating cancer development and progression, with a particular focus on miRNA regulation, proteomic profiling, and circulating biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of metastasis. He/She will conduct research on oncogenic and tumour-suppressor miRNAs and their downstream signalling pathways, investigate the functional roles of endogenous and extracellular (exosomal) miRNAs, perform proteomic profiling of oncogenes and tumour suppressors, and identify and validate circulating biomarkers associated with metastasis and clinical outcomes. The appointee will also assist in clinical sample collection and processing, maintain research databases and biobanking resources, support grant proposal preparation and laboratory management, contribute to manuscript preparation, and present research findings at scientific meetings.

Applicants should possess strong organisational, coordination and problem-solving skills, be able to manage multiple concurrent tasks effectively, and demonstrate a high level of motivation and initiative. The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment is essential. Opportunities for scientific authorship will be available where contributions merit.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment on a two-year fixed‑term basis will attract a contract‑end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 10% of basic salary.

• annual leave and medical benefits
• contract‑end gratuity
• University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 10% of basic salary

Advertised: Oct 26, 2026 (HK Time)

Applications close: Nov 20, 2026 (HK Time)

The University places great emphasis on developing staff potential and has in place a variety of development opportunities and assistance for staff at different stages of their career.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.