Research Assistant

By joining the University of Lancashire, you’ll become part of a thriving community of talent that’s united by a shared vision – to transform the lives of our students and create prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Every colleague has a vital role to play in helping us achieve this vision.

Join an exciting and impactful neuro-oncology research programme dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with brain cancer.

Based within the Neuro‑oncology Research Group, part of the Biomedical Evidence‑based Transdisciplinary Health Research Institute, you will contribute to a collaborative network of researchers, universities and NHS partners across the region. Together, we are working to advance the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of brain tumours through innovative translational research.

The primary focus of this role is the establishment and characterisation of short‑term cell cultures derived from patient brain tumour biopsies. You will gain hands‑on experience using a range of laboratory techniques, including:

• Immunohistochemistry
• Western blotting
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Microplate‑based assays
• Cell culture techniques

This is a unique opportunity to develop your research skills in a clinically relevant area while contributing directly to research that has the potential to benefit patients and their families.

You will be expected to undertake a part‑time Master’s by Research degree over two years (typically two days per week), allowing you to gain a postgraduate qualification while building valuable research experience.

Both the position and the Master’s tuition fees are generously funded by the Sydney Driscoll Neuroscience Foundation, supporting the important work of the Brain Tumour North West Tissue Bank.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic graduate with a passion for biomedical research and a desire to develop a career in laboratory‑based science.

• Hold, or be expecting to achieve, a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences or a related discipline
• Demonstrate excellent organisational and time‑management skills
• Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Show initiative, attention to detail and a commitment to high‑quality research

The role is based in Preston and includes the collection and processing of patient‑derived samples from Royal Preston Hospital.

We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level; the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.