Research Assistant (Maini Lab

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position in Mala Maini's research group  position will help facilitate research seeking to understand adaptive immune responses to liver cancer to inform the development of immunotherapies ( ).

The post holder will be based within the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation (IIT  ) in UCL's state-of-the-art Pears Building, a world-class environment dedicated to translating advances in immunology into improved treatments for patients.

The Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation brings together more than 20 leading immunology research groups working at the forefront of translational science. Through its close relationship with the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, IIT provides a unique setting where laboratory discoveries can be rapidly translated into clinical benefit.

Our research is highly collaborative and spans liver cancer and hepatitis B immunotherapy, bringing together scientists, clinicians and external partners to tackle some of the most important challenges in immune-mediated disease. Our work is supported by major funders including Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UKRI, the European Union and the Royal Free Charity.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge translational immunology research. You will play a central role in supporting the day-to-day running of the Maini Lab, processing and managing valuable patient blood and tissue samples from ongoing liver cancer immunotherapy studies and clinical trials.

Working closely with researchers, clinicians and trial teams, you will collect, process and cryopreserve clinical samples, maintain accurate laboratory records and databases, and support the delivery of advanced immunological assays. You will also contribute to laboratory management activities, including stock control, safety documentation and regulatory compliance.

The role provides the opportunity to work alongside a dynamic multidisciplinary team and gain experience with a range of modern research techniques, including flow cytometry, multiplex immunostaining, cell culture and tissue-based immune analysis.

This appointment is available for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and project requirements. Due to the nature of working with patient-derived samples, flexibility to occasionally work outside normal hours at short notice will be required.

You will hold a degree in Immunology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline, and have experience working in a research laboratory environment. Some experience in cellular immunology, including flow cytometry and ideally immunostaining, is essential. You will possess a good understanding of laboratory health and safety practices and have excellent organisational, communication and record-keeping skills.

You will be able to work both independently and collaboratively, managing competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail. A proactive and problem-solving approach, together with the ability to follow standard operating procedures and adapt to changing priorities, will be essential.

Experience in areas such as tissue processing, laboratory management, database administration, ethics applications, or animal research would be advantageous, but is not essential. Above all, we are looking for a motivated team player who is committed to scientific excellence, continuous learning and delivering research that has the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details. Please also read the attached Candidate Guidance document.

If you have any queries about the role or application process, technical issues, or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the staffing team at

Please note that interviews are likely to be held during the week commencing 24 August 2026.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days…