Research Assistant

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: Band C (S2) £32,315 per annum

Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (12 Months)

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it is sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you are surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.

We are seeking a motivated and well-organised researcher with strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset to join the team as a Research Assistant. The role will involve developing and integrating 3D-printed microfluidic devices with a custom super-resolution optical microscope, as well as contributing to image analysis and data‑processing workflows. You will work on analytical and computational methods, including advanced microscopy image analysis and automated cell detection.

The post also involves supporting preclinical validation studies using model biological samples and delivering quantitative assessments of system performance.

You will become an active member of a small research team embedded within a large national imaging facility, benefiting from close supervision, strong mentorship, and access to extensive resources and technical support. We offer comprehensive training in the development and prototyping of advanced optical microscopy systems, as well as exposure to a wide range of optical imaging techniques and their applications across biological and medical sciences.

You will also have opportunities to present research outcomes in a dynamic, collaborative environment and at national and international conferences.

• Assist in the development and integration of 3D-printed microfluidic devices with a custom optical imaging platform.
• Support experimental workflows combining microfluidic sample processing with advanced microscopy.
• Perform image processing, data analysis, and computational workflows, including automated cell-detection approaches.
• Support preclinical validation studies using model biological samples.
• Deliver quantitative assessments of system performance and experimental outcomes.
• Participate in research dissemination through internal reporting, collaborative discussions, and presentations at conferences.

(Please note the criteria below will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)

• A motivated and well-organised person from Bioengineering, Biophysics, Physics or Biology background, with a strong interest in biomedical or imaging research. (S)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail. (S)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team. (S)
• Willingness and capacity to learn new experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. (S)
• Experience or demonstrated aptitude in developing and integrating 3D-printed microfluidic devices or similar laboratory systems. (S&I)
• Experience or demonstrated aptitude in optical microscopy and image‑analysis workflows, including automated or computational analysis. (S&I)
• Experience or aptitude in working with biological samples and supporting preclinical or validation studies. (S&I)
• Ability to perform quantitative data…