Research Assistant / Associate in Microbiome and Reproduction

The School of Life Course & Population Sciences is one of six Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King’s College London. The School unites over 300 experts in women and children’s health, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum. We are interdisciplinary by nature, and this innovative approach works: 91 per cent of our research submitted to the Subjects Allied to Medicine (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women’s Health cluster) for REF was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists.

We are looking for a skilled biomedical scientist with a strong interest in the human microbiome, clinical test development and have proven relevant microbiology/sequencing and bioinformatics skills. An interest in reproduction and pregnancy is desirable. The post holder will be responsible for optimising protocols for rapid testing of the reproductive tract microbiome and developing a bioinformatics workflow for data generated using an Oxford Nanopore Technology platform. The post holder will be supported by experienced bioinformatician members of the Clinical Diagnostics Development Team based at Guy’s Campus. They will work with existing human samples and alongside members of Professor Tribe’s and Dr Rocio Martinez Nunez’s labs, The Hub for Applied Bioinformatics (Dr Alessandra Vigilante) and the clinical preterm birth team based at St Thomas’ Hospital.

The postholder will need to be methodological, organised and efficient with proven experience of working within a relevant lab setting and generation of results at a conference or via a peer-reviewed publication. They will also have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with multiple teams seamlessly. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31 May 2027. The postholder will be expected to be on site as this is a lab-based role.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• BSc in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or equivalent (Upper second class or higher) - Grade 5 Research Assistant only
• PhD (or pending results) in relevant subject to microbiology and/or reproductive health - Grade 6 Research Associate only
• Proven lab experience in microbiology and sequencing
• Experience of optimising research methods/protocols
• Experience of using R for bioinformatic analyses.
• Evidence of research publications (e.g. conference abstract or paper)
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that enables effective communication
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work on own initiative and to work to and meet firm deadlines
• Experience in developing protocols for future implementation into a clinical environment
• Knowledge of GCP and HTA regulations

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. Interviews are due to be held by mid-January 2026, with a start date by March 2026. This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.

Grade and Salary: Grade 5: £39,076 - £43,909 per annum; Grade 6: £45,031 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.