Overview
Research Assistant – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
About us
King’s College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine is one of the largest and most successful centres for research and education in the UK. It consists of over 2000 staff and 5000 students within seven Schools and two Schools of Education.
Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CGTRM) Department: CGTRM is located on the Guy’s Hospital Campus in central London. It acts as a nucleus for vibrant research community spanning the entire University and the NHS Foundation Trusts of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. The goal of CGTRM is to bring together researchers with diverse skill sets and a common interest in elucidating the extrinsic and intrinsic signals that regulate stem cell behaviour.
The Spagnoli lab is a highly dynamic team, doing exciting science in the field of development and stem cell biology.
We are part of the Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine at King’s College London, UK – a world-class research environment with all facilities essential for this ambitious research programme.
About the role
The Spagnoli group in the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated Research Assistant to work within its research group.
Our team uses interdisciplinary approaches for studying pancreas development and islet cell engineering from pluripotent stem cells. The candidate will be part of a T1D Grand Challenge research programme aiming at harnessing the islet microenvironment in all its complexity for stem cell therapy of diabetes.
This is an exciting interdisciplinary research programme that will require expertise in stem cell culture, human tissue, bioengineering, computational analytical methods and islet transplantation. Applicants should have a recent BSc degree in biological sciences and relevant experience within a research environment.
The Research Assistant appointed will carry out research in the areas of stem cell biology, cell culture, molecular biology, histology, animal work as well as ordering to support the work of the Spagnoli group. Candidates should have an BSc degree in biological sciences, relevant experience within a research environment and optional holds a Personal License for carrying out procedures on animals. They will be highly motivated individuals, with excellent organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work within a closely collaborative team.
This is a full time post – 100 % full time equivalent (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract of one year, with 6 months probation time. This role is a Lab based role.
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- BS level in Biology or relevant subject area, Work experience in academic research environment
- Expertise in cell culture (human ES and/or iPS cells)
- General web-lab skills including molecular biology
- Expertise in histology and confocal microscopy
- Excellent record keeping and time management
- Good communication (oral and written) skills
- Ability to work independently & as part of a team
- Pro-active, ambitious and enthusiastic
Desirable criteria
- Experience in pancreas and islet biology
- Expertise in bioengineering, biomaterials
- Personal license for animal work
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
