At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to explore the biology of ageing and develop innovative human models.
- Company: Babraham Institute, a leading research facility in Cambridge focused on signalling and ageing.
- Benefits: Hands-on training, career development opportunities, and a supportive research community.
- Other info: Limited-term position with potential for PhD progression and dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ageing research while gaining valuable lab experience.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in biological sciences with cell culture experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant with some experience with mammalian cell culture techniques to join the Samant Lab in the Signalling Programme at Babraham Institute, Cambridge. The research in the lab focuses on two key hallmarks of human ageing—loss of proteostasis, and accumulation of cellular senescence—and this project directly tackles the relationship between these two in the context of tissue function and degeneration with age.
The successful candidate will receive hands-on training in isolation and culture of different primary human cells from patient lung tissues, and in differentiation of these cells into 2D and 3D tissue-like structures (e.g., organoids and air-liquid interfaces). The candidate will then perform functional assays of proteostasis, senescence, and ageing-related dysfunction in these complex structures.
This position is suited for a candidate with an interest in the fundamental biology of ageing, and is looking to learn and help further develop cutting-edge human models of ageing and senescence.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc or MSc in the biological sciences, with experience in basic molecular/cell biology and mammalian cell culture. They will also have excellent organisation, as this post requires co-ordination with the local hospital tissue bank to obtain time-sensitive patient material, as well as timely sample processing and maintenance.
All necessary training for success of the project will be offered by experts at Babraham Institute and University of Cambridge. The post-holder will also have opportunities to develop further their molecular and cell biology skills (e.g., CRISPR editing; super-resolution microscopy), according to their career development goals. For example, all former pre-doctoral researchers in the Samant Lab have directly gone on to PhD programmes; therefore, this position could be especially appropriate for applicants looking to upskill and gain experience in a full-time research environment prior to doctoral training.
This is a limited-term appointment with funding for this post expected to be available for a period of 1.5 years. A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy. Informal enquiries can be addressed to Rahul Samant (rahul.samant@babraham.ac.uk).
The Institute has joined the Technician Commitment initiative, which is a commitment to support the recognition, visibility, sustainability and career development of our research support community, which includes the BSU, Scientific Facilities, Computing, Stores & Purchasing, Technical Services, Health & Safety and the Research Assistant communities.
Closing date for applications is Friday, 31st July 2026 at 12pm. However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received.
The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society. NO AGENCIES PLEASE. The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute’s ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people. The Babraham Institute abides by the principles of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.
Research Assistant (Signalling) employer: Babraham Institute
As a leading research institution, we offer an inspiring work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among scientists dedicated to advancing knowledge in protein quality control. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, all set within a vibrant academic community that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Signalling)
✨Get Involved with Local Research Groups
Look for temporary roles in biology by connecting with local universities or research institutions. Attend open seminars, conferences, or even lab tours to network with professionals and discover any upcoming opportunities—sometimes they even need extra hands on short projects!
✨Leverage Social Media and Forums
Join online communities or forums related to biology—places like Twitter, Reddit, or even LinkedIn groups can be goldmines for discovering temporary roles. Follow industry leaders and engage with their content to make your presence known in the community.
✨Tap into Job Boards Specialised in Science
Sites focussed on science jobs, such as Nature Jobs or BioSpace, are perfect for temporary roles in biology. Set up alerts for relevant keywords to stay ahead of the game and apply as soon as you find something that fits your skill set!
✨Consider Seasonal Work and Internships
Biology often has seasonal hiring—look for internships or temp positions during peak times like summer. These roles can lead to great experience and connections that might open doors for future opportunities. Just remember, we encourage you to apply through our website to streamline your application process with Babraham Institute!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Signalling)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:For a temporary role in biology, make sure to highlight any specific lab techniques or research experiences you've participated in. If you've worked on any projects, mention your contributions and what you learned – this is what will catch Babraham Institute's eye!
Keep It Fluid and Adaptable:Given that it's a temporary position, your application should reflect your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly. In your cover letter, discuss how your background has prepared you to jump into new situations or adapt to different lab environments in a heartbeat.
Certifications Matter!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like lab safety or specific research methodologies, be sure to include them in your CV. These can really demonstrate your readiness for immediate contributions at Babraham Institute and save time during the hiring process.
Reflect Your Passion for Biology:Let your enthusiasm shine through your application! We want to see your genuine interest in biology and any recent trends or discoveries that fascinate you. This will show Babraham Institute you’re not just a good choice for the role, but also a super-motivated candidate who’s keen to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babraham Institute
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Since this is a biology role, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in the lab. We should highlight any techniques or experiments you've performed that relate to the job, as those practical skills could really impress your interviewers at Babraham Institute.
✨Brush Up on Key Concepts
Make sure we're familiar with recent developments in the field of biology. Interviewers might throw in some technical questions related to current research or methodologies. A quick review of recent papers or breakthroughs could give us a unique angle during our chat with Babraham Institute.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Learning
Given that this is a temporary role, we should stress our adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers like Babraham Institute want to know that we're ready to hit the ground running. Share examples of how we've quickly adjusted to new environments or tasks in the past.
✨Prepare a Quick Project Summary
It might be useful to prepare a brief overview of any relevant projects or studies we've worked on. We can frame it in a way that showcases our contributions and what we learned, demonstrating how that experience will be beneficial in our role at Babraham Institute.
