At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project developing advanced microscopy technology for mucosal tissue research.
- Company: Cardiff University, a vibrant hub for innovative biosciences research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers at Cardiff and Cambridge for exciting career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medical research and contribute to transformative discoveries.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and data analysis is essential.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 46049 £ per year.
You will join a Wellcome Trust funded Discovery Award project aimed at developing a transformative multiphoton microscopy technology for applications in mucosal tissue mechanobiology. Mucosal surfaces are the main interface between the environment and our organism. In the lung, mucus provides a barrier that entraps foreign pathogens/nanoparticles and is moved into the oesophagus by coordinated ciliary beating of epithelial cells. Mucus viscoelasticity is crucial to this movement, and poor mucociliary clearance correlates with lung diseases.
The new technology to be developed in this project will measure mucus viscoelasticity by tracking the trajectories of individual nano‑probes with unprecedented nanoscale precision and will correlatively map the 3D structure and composition of living tissues with subcellular resolution and molecular chemical specificity. The technology will be applied to healthy and diseased lung tissues, in response to inflammatory triggers, infections and drugs. This research will unlock new discoveries on how mucus mechanics interconnects to cellular and molecular regulatory pathways, including airway remodelling and fibrosis – an unmet medical need.
Your role in the project will be to contribute to the development of the microscope control and data acquisition software and post‑acquisition data analysis. The microscope will implement four‑wave mixing imaging and tracking, coherent Raman scattering, second harmonic generation, third harmonic generation and two‑photon fluorescence, all integrated in one instrument. You will support data acquisition, analysis and scientific interpretation, and engage in scientific publication and dissemination of the results.
You will work in a vibrant research group at the physics‑life science interface. You will be based at Cardiff University, offering great benefits, and will work together with our project collaborators at the University of Cambridge. Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed, in the first instance, to BorriP@cardiff.ac.uk.
The position is full time (35 hours per week) and is fixed term for 3 years. Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Closing date: Thursday, 9 July 2026. External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published.
Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate - Microscopy in Cardiff employer: Cardiff University
Cardiff University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation at the intersection of physics and life sciences. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth through engaging in groundbreaking research projects, such as the transformative multiphoton microscopy technology aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in lung health. Located in the heart of Cardiff, the university provides a supportive environment that values diversity and promotes equality, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate - Microscopy in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate - Microscopy in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Cardiff University that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Cardiff University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Cardiff University does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Cardiff University. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
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Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Cardiff University's culture.
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Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Cardiff University. This shows your passion for the industry!
