Home Jobs Research Assistant
Back to Jobs

Research Assistant - Job Opportunity at Imperial College London

London, United Kingdom
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 17, 2025
On-site
£43,003 - £46,297 per year

Benefits

Opportunity to advance research career at a globally recognized top-10 university with world-class resources and reputation
Comprehensive training program in advanced laboratory methods including iPSC culture and molecular biology techniques
Collaborative research environment with access to both clinician scientists and basic researchers across multiple disciplines
Diverse and inclusive workplace culture with established staff networks and professional development resources
Personal and professional wellbeing support systems designed to maintain work-life balance
Flexible working arrangements with both full-time and part-time options available

Key Responsibilities

Lead support for genetic research project investigating rare fatty liver disease causes in young and slim populations, contributing to potentially groundbreaking medical discoveries
Execute critical laboratory experiments including in vitro and murine studies that directly impact understanding of disease mechanisms
Perform routine molecular biology techniques including cell culture, Western blot analysis, and qPCR to generate essential research data
Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to identify novel therapeutic targets for rare metabolic diseases
Contribute to research outcomes that may influence future treatment protocols for underserved patient populations
Maintain laboratory standards and protocols essential for high-quality research output in a world-leading medical research institution

Requirements

Education

Masters degree in a biological subject or a related discipline or equivalent vocational qualification

Experience

Equivalent experience in laboratory management and proven experience in cell culture methods

Required Skills

cell culture methods basic molecular biology techniques Western blot qPCR
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The biomedical research sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in rare disease research, driven by advances in genetic sequencing technologies and increased funding from government agencies and pharmaceutical companies seeking to address unmet medical needs. This trend is particularly strong in metabolic disease research where novel therapeutic targets are being discovered regularly. Academic research institutions are increasingly focusing on translational research that bridges basic science with clinical applications, creating substantial demand for research assistants who can work across both laboratory and clinical research environments. This interdisciplinary approach is becoming essential for career advancement in biomedical research. The field of induced pluripotent stem cell research is rapidly expanding, with significant investment in iPSC technologies for disease modeling and drug discovery. Research assistants with iPSC experience are becoming highly valued as this technology becomes standard in many research laboratories.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £43,003 - £46,297 is competitive for entry-level research assistant positions in London's academic sector, particularly at prestigious institutions like Imperial College. This range aligns well with UK Research Council pay scales and is above average for similar positions at other universities, reflecting Imperial's strong funding position and commitment to attracting quality research talent.

Role Significance

The position involves working within a focused research team of approximately 5-8 members, including the principal investigator Dr. Cacciottolo, postdoctoral researchers, and other research assistants. The collaborative structure with Professor Dave Carling's laboratory suggests involvement in a broader research network of 15-20 scientists.
This is an entry-level research position that serves as a crucial stepping stone in academic research careers, offering direct exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies and collaborative scientific environments. The role provides significant responsibility for experimental execution while working under senior researcher guidance.

Key Projects

Genetic screening studies to identify novel mutations associated with fatty liver disease in young patients Development and validation of cellular disease models using patient-derived samples Collaborative studies with clinical teams to correlate genetic findings with patient outcomes Method development for improved detection of metabolic dysfunction in cellular models

Success Factors

Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques with ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols and maintain consistent high-quality results in a fast-paced research environment Excellent collaborative skills to work effectively with both basic scientists and clinician researchers, requiring ability to communicate across different scientific disciplines and understand clinical relevance of research Adaptability and eagerness to learn new technologies, particularly in stem cell biology and advanced molecular techniques that are rapidly evolving in the field Strong organizational skills to manage multiple experimental timelines while maintaining detailed laboratory records essential for research reproducibility and publication

Market Demand

High demand exists for research assistants with molecular biology skills in the London biomedical research corridor, particularly those interested in rare disease research. The combination of Imperial's reputation, the growing rare disease research sector, and the specialized nature of metabolic disease research creates strong job security and advancement opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Cell culture proficiency is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all experimental work in this role, requiring sterile technique mastery and understanding of cellular biology principles that ensure experimental reproducibility and data quality Molecular biology techniques including Western blot and qPCR are fundamental skills that enable the research team to analyze gene expression and protein function, representing core competencies that determine experimental success and research productivity Laboratory management experience is crucial for maintaining efficient workflow and ensuring compliance with safety protocols, particularly important in a high-throughput research environment where experimental timing and resource management directly impact research outcomes

Beneficial Skills

Experience with metabolic assays and biochemical analysis techniques would enhance ability to contribute to fatty liver disease research and provide deeper understanding of disease mechanisms Knowledge of genetic analysis methods including DNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools would support the genetic screening aspects of the research project Previous exposure to animal research procedures and ethics would be valuable given the murine study components of the research program Statistical analysis skills using software like R or SPSS would support data interpretation and manuscript preparation activities

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement in rare disease research addressing significant unmet medical needs in young and slim patients with fatty liver disease, providing opportunity to contribute to potentially life-changing medical discoveries
Access to state-of-the-art facilities at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, including advanced equipment and core facilities typically unavailable at smaller institutions
Opportunity to work with clinician scientists who bridge laboratory research with patient care, providing unique insights into translational medicine applications
Training in cutting-edge iPSC technology that represents a rapidly growing field with significant career advancement potential
Location within Imperial College London's exceptional research ecosystem providing access to seminars, conferences, and networking opportunities with world-leading scientists

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-4 years for motivated research assistants, with opportunities for advancement accelerated by strong publication records and additional training in specialized techniques like iPSC culture.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Assistant or Research Associate positions within 2-3 years, taking on greater experimental design responsibilities PhD student positions in related fields, with potential for direct entry into doctoral programs at Imperial or other top-tier institutions Research Scientist roles in biotechnology companies focusing on metabolic diseases or rare disease research Laboratory Manager positions overseeing technical operations in academic or industry research settings

Company Overview

Imperial College London

Imperial College London ranks consistently among the world's top 10 universities and is widely recognized as a global leader in science, technology, and medicine. The institution's Faculty of Medicine is particularly renowned for its research excellence and clinical impact, with the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences representing one of the UK's premier biomedical research facilities.

Imperial College London maintains an elite position in global higher education rankings and commands significant respect in the international research community. The institution's research output and citation impact place it among the most influential universities worldwide, particularly in life sciences and medical research.
Located in London's South Kensington area with the specific research position based at Hammersmith Campus, Imperial benefits from proximity to major teaching hospitals, other research institutions, and a thriving biotech sector. This location provides exceptional networking opportunities and access to collaborative research partnerships.
Imperial College fosters a highly collaborative and international research environment that emphasizes scientific excellence while maintaining strong commitments to diversity and inclusion. The institution's culture encourages innovation and risk-taking in research while providing substantial support for career development and professional growth.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.